Tony Bennett is an American educator and former government official. A member of the Republican Party, Bennett was elected Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2008. He lost reelection to Democrat Glenda Ritz in the 2012 election. Bennett was later appointed Florida Commissioner of Education in 2012, a position he held until 2013. Education and career Bennett received his Doctor of Education and Indiana Superintendent's License from Spalding University in 2005; his Certification in Secondary Administration and Supervision from Indiana University Southeast in 1994; his Master of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University Southeast in 1988; and his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University Southeast in 1984. Bennett served as a teacher, coach and administrator. 2001–2007: New Albany, Indiana – Floyd County Consolidated Schools – assistant superintendent for administration and operations Greater Clark County Schools - superintendent 1999–2001: NAFCCS – principal of Charles Allen Prosser School of Technology 1997–1999: Scott County School District 2 – principal of Scottsburg High School 1993–1997: SCSD2 – assistant principal of SHS/ basketball coach 1992–1993: SCSD2 – assistant to the superintendent/ basketball coach 1991–1992: SCSD2 – biology teacher/basketball coach 1990–1991: Mohawk Local Schools (Sycamore, Ohio) – biology teacher/basketball coach 1983–1990: Providence High School – biology/science teacher (basketball coach 1987–1990) In 2010, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named him Government Leader of the Year and, in 2011, The Fordham Institute named him Education Reform Idol. In 2016, Bennett was caucused by the Clark County, Indiana Republican Party to serve on the Clark County, Indiana County Council. The next day, he was unable to take office because he did not meet the residency requirement. However, the individual that was caucused on to the Council resigned months late, Bennett was re-appointed to the position. Following the election of his successor in 2018, Bennett was appointed to fill a different vacancy on the Council that occurred when Councilman Terry Conway was elected as Clark County Recorder. State superintendent Bennett was narrowly elected Indiana State Superintendent in 2008, succeeding retiring four-term incumbent Suellen Reed. He was defeated for re-election in an upset in his bid for a second term. He made education reform a key platform of his tenure. During Bennett's term, student achievement improved on several key academic indicators. Scores on the state's ISTEP+ exam, Advanced Placement pass percentages and graduate rates reached new highs. Some criticized Bennett and his wife in 2011 because of