In-depth masterclasses announced for #NCFL24 Learn more

Cecily Darden

Special Assistant, Family Outreach, Office of Communications and Outreach
US Department of Education

Cecily Darden is the Special Assistant for Family Outreach in the US Department of Education. She is committed to building strong connections between children’s homes and schools. As a researcher by training, her passion is supported by the evidence that strong family engagement positively impacts the academic success and wellbeing of students as well as leads to rewards for their families and teachers. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris administration, Cecily’s Rooted Learning supported organizations to implement equitable community engagement and systems change for sustainable growth. Previously, she led measurement with the Flamboyan Foundation, where she supported the identification and dissemination of effective family engagement strategies and innovations. Cecily also served the students of Prince George’s County Public Schools for nearly a decade where she led the human capital strategic initiatives after several years supporting student-focused measurement of district initiatives. Cecily’s additional prior work experience also includes adjunct faculty and educational research positions with American University, University of Maryland-College Park and the American Institute for Research. Her volunteer passion has been serving the children of Montgomery County, MD where she is raising two young men, and has held many school and county volunteer roles. A proud undergraduate alumna of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, Cecily’s graduate studies were in Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park.