CLEVELAND — U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten visited Cleveland Metro Schools Thursday to share the department’s vision on how to improve education.

Marten’s stop in Cleveland is part of her “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” tour.

While in Cleveland, she made stops at several CMSD schools, including Memorial School on the city’s east side.

“There are a lot of teachers that help with what you need to get help with,” said Nylah Driffin, a student at Memorial School.

That preparation by teachers is exactly what Marten said the Department of Education is hoping schools across the country can achieve.

“Teachers are supported here, students are supported here,” said Marten. “I think one of the most important things we can do to build robust, exquisitely designed school systems is to have stability in the staffing.”

Increasing staffing and eliminating the teacher shortage is part the department’s “Raise the Bar” initiative.

“The idea that there’s longevity, and staying power and sustainability in staffing, it shows students that their staff is here for them,” Marten said, referring to CMSD’s retention rate for principals.

Another part of the department’s plan, Marten said, is to invest more in mental health resources for students. The initiative is also focused on preparing students to become globally competitive and better prepare them to become leaders of tomorrow. 

“We actually are talking with young people about skills they’re going to need to take to the next problem that they solve, that they’re going to need to take to their jobs,” said Eric Gordon, CEO of CMSD.

According to the Department of Education, the “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” tour kicked off last month and follows U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s recent address, “Raise the Bar: Lead the World,” where he laid out the Department of Education’s vision and continued priorities to promote academic excellence.