Jeffrey C. Riley became the state's 24th commissioner of elementary and secondary education in 2018 and has brought a renewed focus on instruction and on partnering with districts.
In 2019, he mapped out priorities such as bringing deeper learning to more classrooms and encouraging the use of evidence-based practices like diversifying the workforce. Those initiatives are now reflected in the DESE's educational vision, which envisions classrooms where:
Commissioner Riley's previous positions include serving as superintendent/receiver of the Lawrence Public Schools, principal of Tyngsboro Middle School, and principal of Boston's Edwards Middle School.
Commissioner Riley lives in Boston and holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Pomona College in California, a master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and a master's degree in school administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University.
Last Updated: September 11, 2023
Our Way Forward
Educational Vision and Catalog of Aligned Supports
Catalog of Supports
Educational Vision
June 9, 2022 COVID-19 Testing FAQs
Archived COVID-19 Guidance, March 2020–June 2021
Archived COVID-19 Guidance, April 2021–March 2022
Archived COVID-19 Positive Cases, Sept. 2020–June 2022
Statewide Legal Holidays
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.