EdCast A Champion for Public Education Former Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton discusses how to be a champion for public education, women as leaders, and her role as an education board member Posted March 22, 2017 By Jill Anderson What will public education look like in the United States in the near future? Former Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton — lawyer, judge, onetime First Lady of Virginia, and longtime advocate for children and families — knows that the current political climate has left the fate of the institution uncertain at best."I'm concerned that there is a mood that's questioning the fundamentals of public education," says Holton, at the Ed School for a conference on Women in Leadership. "And, while I think there is strong support in our communities for both folks' local schools and the concept of public education, I worry about it." Especially, she says, whether teachers will have the resources they need to be able to serve their students, particularly in schools in which poverty is an issue.Despite this, Holton is encouraged by innovation and the creativity that she sees in schools and districts across the country, as well as by the teachers who are sticking it out in difficult circumstances."I think we actually do get a lot right," she says.In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Holton discusses her life as a public education advocate, why we need to continue to support women as leaders, and her continued service to Virginia, now as an education board member.About the Harvard EdCast The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber and co-produced by Jill Anderson, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field. EdCast An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles EdCast Walking Around the World Paul Salopek discusses Out of Eden Learn, an initiative to facilitate crosscultural inquiry and help bridge the divides between cultures News Global Cities, Inc. Joins with Out of Eden Learn to Cultivate the Next Generation of Global Citizens Usable Knowledge The Road to Learning Following the path of a round-the-world journey, a Project Zero initiative lets students trace new connections.