Dr. Penny Schwinn was sworn in as Tennessee’s education commissioner on February 1, 2019.

As commissioner, Dr. Schwinn is committed to building on Tennessee’s momentum over the last decade, and plans to continue to accelerate growth through the state’s strategic plan, Best For All, which focuses on high-quality academics, student readiness and supports, and the state’s strong current and future educators.

Coming from a family of educators and committed to increasing access to an excellent education for all children, Commissioner Schwinn began her work as a high school history and economics teacher. She previously served in a number of roles in education including Chief Deputy Commissioner of Academics, an Assistant Superintendent, a school principal, and an elected school board member.

Commissioner Schwinn earned her Bachelor of Arts from the UC-Berkeley, her Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and her PhD in Education Policy.

She is the proud parent of two daughters in Tennessee public schools, and a son not yet school age.