[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, Governor Tim Walz appointed Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller to serve as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, effective April 1. Governor Walz announced the appointment today after accepting the resignation of Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker who wishes to leave state service to spend more time in the classroom with Minnesota students.

“I am proud to appoint Heather Mueller as Commissioner of the Department of Education,” said Governor Walz. “Heather is deeply committed to the success of our students, families, and schools, and there is no better person to lead our state at this critical moment.”

Formerly the Deputy Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, Dr. Heather Mueller started her career at Mankato Area Public Schools in August 1997 high school teaching social studies. During her 24-year career in education, she was a classroom teacher for 11 years, and then she worked as a continuous improvement coach, professional development coordinator, and the director of teaching and learning. Previously at the Minnesota Department of Education, she served as Assistant Commissioner, leading the Office of Teaching and Learning, and overseeing the Divisions of Academic Standards and Instructional Effectiveness; Career and College Success; Early Learning Services; Equity and Opportunity; School Support; and Testing and Assessment. Dr. Mueller earned her Doctor of Education in leadership degree, with an emphasis in Organizational Analysis and Change, from St. Mary’s University. She earned her Specialist and K-12 administrative license, master’s degree in educational leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

“It is an honor to step into the role of Commissioner of Education and to continue serving our students, families, educators, state librarians, and school communities,” said Deputy Commissioner Mueller. “Minnesota’s students and teachers have shown resiliency and perseverance this past year, and I look forward to partnering with our school communities to meet their diverse needs as we recover from this pandemic and continue building the best education system in the nation for each and every student in Minnesota.”

Governor Walz thanked Mary Cathryn Ricker for her service to Minnesota’s students, educators, and families.

“For her entire career, Mary Cathryn Ricker has been dedicated to Minnesota’s students and families, and this year, more than ever, I am grateful for her leadership in navigating this unprecedented time as we asked our school communities to do the unimaginable,” said Governor Walz. “Her service to the Department of Education and to our administration will be missed, but I know our state’s students will continue to benefit from her leadership.”

“As classroom teacher, leader in my unions, and as Minnesota’s education commissioner, it has been an honor in my professional journey to serve Minnesota’s Public Schools’ students, families, school leaders, educators, and staff,” said Commissioner Ricker. “Through my experiences, I learned the power of listening and working together to improve people’s lives. I am motivated by Minnesota’s students and inspired every day by the many talented, hard-working educators and staff dedicated to the success of Minnesota’s children, and it has been a privilege to work alongside them.”

A native of Hibbing, Mary Cathryn Ricker is a National Board Certified middle school English teacher with over a decade of classroom experience. She has taught in classrooms from St. Paul to St. Cloud, from Washington to South Korea to Yemen. She previously served as executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers and as the president of the Saint Paul Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 28.

Mary Cathryn Ricker’s letter of resignation is available /governor/assets/MaryCathrynRicker%20March%208%202021%20Resignation_tcm1055-471228.pdfhere.