Michelle Rhee was born on December 25, 1969, in Michigan. She spent one year of her primary schooling in South Korea, an experience that would later shape her views on education. Rhee received her master's degree in public policy from Harvard University, where she developed a passion for education reform.
After completing her education, Rhee began her career as a teacher at an inner-city school. She quickly realized the challenges facing students in underprivileged communities and became committed to creating change within the education system.
In her quest for reform, Rhee founded two non-profit organizations, StudentsFirst and The New Teacher Project. These organizations aimed to improve the quality of education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
In 2007, Rhee was appointed as the chancellor of Washington D.C. public schools. During her tenure, she implemented controversial reforms aimed at improving student achievement and holding teachers accountable for their performance.
Rhee has two children from her first marriage. In 2011, she married her second husband, Kevin Johnson. Despite her demanding career, Rhee has always placed a strong emphasis on family and balancing her personal and professional life.
Rhee's dedication to education reform caught the attention of D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, who offered her the chancellor position. While her tenure was met with both praise and criticism, Rhee's passion for creating a better future for students has remained unwavering.
Michelle Rhee's impact on the education system has been significant. Her innovative approaches to reform have sparked national conversations about the best practices for improving student outcomes. While her methods may have been controversial, there is no denying the passion and dedication Rhee has for ensuring that all students receive a quality education.