Amid delays in Betsy DeVos' confirmation as Education secretary, Philip Rosenfelt is serving as the acting government head. He has taken the job after Obama's Education secretary, John King, vacated his post on Jan. 20 and Rosenfelt will remain in the role while DeVos' nomination has not yet been approved by the Senate.
Who is Rosenfelt and what has been his contribution to the Education sector? Learn about the man currently overseeing America's school system below.
Rosenfelt joined the Department of Education in 1971 as one of its attorneys. His official position as of 2016 was as Deputy General Counsel for Program Service, according to the U.S. Department of Education official site.
Rosenfelt is responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of program developments and implementation. According to Education World, about 100 lawyers serve under his guidance and direction in the said function.
In 2013, Rosenfelt was honored with "The Sammies" or the Service to America Medals for those in government service. Many attested Rosenfelt is largely responsible for American's education laws and policies.
"He is a lawyer who focuses on the right thing to do, rather than merely determining what is legal or not," former Education secretary Arne Duncan said. In 2014, the acting secretary helped ascertain schools will not bar immigrant students by coming up with a guidance release, according to NBC.
The 74 Million reports this is not the first time Rosenfelt has served as acting Education secretary in between government transitions. Many rely on the lawyer for his "encyclopedic knowledge" of the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, DeVos' nomination has moved one step closer to confirmation during a senate debate last Tuesday, US News reports. It's still unclear when the final debate will take place to determine DeVos' status. She will need at least 51 votes to sit as the new head of Education.
