MN Dept. of Education names director of its new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Center The MDE Commissioner also starts in a new role, talks plan to close the opportunity gap and transform the education system. Author: Jennifer Hoff (KARE 11) Published: 6:17 PM CDT April 1, 2021 Updated: 6:44 PM CDT April 1, 2021 ROSEVILLE, Minn. — Minnesota's new Department of Education Commissioner starts in that role on Thursday. Commissioner Heather Mueller says she's especially focused on closing achievement gaps for students of color. She helped unveil the state's new "Due North Education Plan" at the end of January, along with Governor Tim Walz. It focuses on these four main points.