Thomas Minter facts for kids

Thomas Kendall Minter (born June 28, 1924, died May 22, 2009) was an important person in education. He worked for the U.S. government and the government of New York City. He helped make schools better for many students.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Minter was born on June 28, 1924, in the Bronx, a part of New York City. He grew up in East Harlem.

He went to New York University for his college studies. There, he earned both his first degree and a master's degree. Later, he earned another master's degree from the Union Theological Seminary. In 1971, he completed his highest degree, a Ph.D., from Harvard University.

Career in Education

Minter started his career as a teacher. He taught in junior and senior high schools in East Harlem, where he grew up.

He also taught in Maryland at what is now Bowie State University. After that, he became a leader in the School District of Philadelphia. He was a district superintendent, which means he helped manage schools in a specific area.

Leading School Changes

In 1975, Thomas Minter became the superintendent of public schools in Wilmington, Delaware. This was a very important job. He was in charge of a plan to make schools fairer for all students. This plan was called a "desegregation plan." It meant that students from different neighborhoods, both city and suburbs, would go to school together. This often involved "busing" students, meaning they rode buses to schools farther from their homes.

Minter believed this effort was very important. He said it was not just for Wilmington but a "national need." He felt it was key to the "fabric of the society," meaning it was important for how society works together.

Working for the U.S. Government

In 1977, Minter took on a role in the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). He was named the deputy commissioner for elementary and secondary education. This meant he helped oversee education for younger students across the country.

Later, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter chose him for an even bigger job. Minter became the first assistant secretary of elementary and secondary education in the new United States Department of Education. In this role, he helped shape education policies for children all over the United States.

Thomas Kendall Minter passed away on May 22, 2009.