About the Commissioner

Jeffrey C. Riley became the state's 24^th 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:

• All students are known and valued;
• Learning experiences are relevant, real-world, and interactive; and
• Individualized supports allow all students to excel.

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