Former superintendent of the Lower Merion School District Khalid N. Mumin, who was confirmed as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education earlier this year, credits his 10th-grade English teacher for influencing his career choice, writes Vicki Phillips for Forbes.

Mr. Smith inspired him to go into teaching English, showing him how English and literature could open up worlds for students, especially those from underserved communities. 

Now as secretary, Mumin feels uniquely positioned to propel his work in various ways, and fortunate to work within an Administration like Governor Josh Shapiro’s that puts education at the forefront.

As a teacher, Mumin said he was sustained by the colleagues and mentors he has had along the way. 

“This is a career of mentorship and people who are able to see things in you that maybe you can’t see yourself,” said Mumin. “I had a series of mentors who were on the sideline, telling me ‘you can do this’. That has led me to believe throughout my career that if you don’t have the head and the heart, this isn’t the profession for you.”

Shortly after becoming a teacher, a chance run-in with then-Governor Tom Ridge gave him the confidence that he could one day climb the leadership ladder. 

In every role, Mumin ensures he works in service of the students. 

Read more about Khalid Mumin’s journey to becoming education secretary at Forbes. 

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