The Broad Center Congratulates the Master’s in Public Education Management Class of 2024

On a Saturday morning in August, The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management (TBC at SOM) held a joyful commencement ceremony for the 31 graduates of the 2024 Master’s in Public Education Management program. These students, who earned a Master of Management Studies degree, are the second cohort of graduates from the Master’s program at TBC at SOM. Over the last 14 months, Master’s students have traveled to the Yale SOM campus for five residence weeks, while continuing to work full-time in large urban public education systems across the U.S., including school districts, charter organizations, and state education agencies.

In front of a proud group that included partners, friends, teachers, mentors, children, and TBC at SOM staff and faculty, each graduate entered the auditorium of Evans Hall and made their way to their seats. Some entered waving and dancing, some with more reserved, small grins. 

They were welcomed with opening remarks by Yale SOM Dean Kerwin K. Charles, who noted how the students threw themselves with vigor into their time at Yale SOM – not just in their coursework and community with each other, but also the broader community of the school. He welcomed them to two special alumni groups: that of Yale SOM, and also the Broad alumni network, a community of over 900 talented education leaders across the country.

In keynote remarks, Jorge Aguilar, superintendent of Wonderful College Prep Academy (CA) and a member of the 2022-23 cohort of the Fellowship for Public Education Leadership, shared reflections from his years as a senior education leader.

“You are the needle,” he said to the graduates, “that tells us if we are demonstrating the courage to protect those with the least voice and power – our students.” He encouraged the Master’s students to keep equity in the forefront of their minds, and to seek opportunities to keep the needle pointed toward student needs, instead of adult wants. His story of the power of education – from being first-generation college student to raising children who felt comfortable, from an early age, on a college campus – illustrates the difference educators can make in ending cycles of generational poverty. 

The Commencement ceremony also featured two student speakers from the Class of 2024, who also touched on themes of hope, community, and dedication to students. Yvonne Williams, regional director of operations at Achievement First, remarked on the importance of faith in the goodness of others and the possibility of a better world for students and communities.

“Hope is an active state of mind, not the state of the world or the circumstances we face,” she said. “Your collective wisdom and deeds demonstrate that hope in action looks like living and leading through our values, with love at the forefront.”

The second student speaker, Raymie Fernandez, chief operating officer for Dream Charter Schools, offered the story of an educator who changed his trajectory – his teacher and baseball coach, Mr. Quezada, who stepped in at a difficult time in Raymie’s life. In an emotional moment, he thanked Mr. Quezada, who was in the audience at commencement, for changing his life. He also reminded the graduates that each student deserves a “locker room moment” where an adult reminds them of the greatness they hold.

Before receiving their diplomas, the graduates recognized the support and commitment of their families and loved ones to make the Master’s program a possibility by turning around to applaud and thank those watching in the audience and online.

Master’s students then followed a Yale SOM tradition that dates from the first commencement ceremony. Instead of a roll call conducted by one person, each graduate’s name was called by the graduate before them as they crossed the stage to gather their diploma and shake Charles’s hand. Several students brought their child to walk across the stage with them, posing for a picture with the dean with huge grins, to cheers from the audience and fellow students. 

At the close of Commencement, graduates and their guests proceeded to the courtyard of Evans Hall for lunch and conversation. Graduates were able to give their guests tours of Yale SOM, introduce them to fellow Master’s students and faculty who taught TBC at SOM courses this year – and celebrate the community they’ve built together. 

Congratulations to the Master’s in Public Education Management Class of 2024!