Cynthia Minette Marten^[1] is an American educator and government official who has served as the 11th United States deputy secretary of education since May 18, 2021. Marten previously served as the superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District from 2013 until her confirmation as deputy secretary in May 2021.^[2][3][4][5]

Marten earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and master's degree in teaching and learning from the University of California, San Diego.^[6]

Marten spent 32 years as an educator, holding various roles of increasing responsibility as a teacher, literacy specialist, vice principal, and principal.^[7] For 10 years she worked at Central Elementary School in City Heights. As a teacher, instructional leader, and later as principal, she placed an emphasis on social and emotional learning and the arts, combined with academics.^[7]

In 2013, Marten became the superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. She was succeeded by Lamont Jackson, who has held the position since.^[8]

Marten's nomination by Joe Biden to be deputy secretary of education was submitted to the United States Senate on February 22, 2021,^[1] and confirmed by the Senate on May 11, 2021, by a 54–44 vote.^[9]

• Marten, Cindy (2003). Word Crafting: Teaching Spelling, Grades K-6. Pearson Education Canada. ISBN 978-0-325-00322-1.