She previously served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education, overseeing K–12 initiatives and a $230-billion federal budget, advancing national priorities in literacy, access, and student success. Before her federal role, Marten led San Diego Unified School District—California’s second largest—where the district achieved record graduation rates and notable reading growth. Her career began in the City Heights community as a teacher, principal, and instructional leader, shaping her student-centered, whole-child approach. In Delaware, Marten is advancing Governor Matt Meyer’s priorities to modernize school funding, expand early childhood education, invest in universal pre-K, and strengthen the educator workforce.