Rafael Cartagena Ródriguez

Dr. Rafael Cartagena Ródriguez (April 13, 1948 – May 27, 2025) was a Puerto Rican intellectual, educator and designated Secretary of Education of Puerto Rico.

Early life He was born in Orocovis Puerto Rico. He obtained his bachelor's in philosophy from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, his master's in theology from Pontifical Gregorian University, and a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University. He obtained a Post-doctorate Degree in Administration from Harvard.

He was a teacher in Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola from 1972 to 1973 and a professor in a number of universities in the early seventies including, the Inter American University, Bayamon Campus, 1972-1973, PUCPR in 1972, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón 1972-1973.

Career He was Dean of Academic Matters of the Regional Colleges of the Inter American University from 1974 till 1978 and in 1978 he was named Rector of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus.

He was Rector of University of Turabo and dean of the School of Education of said university.

It was conceived as a distinct educational alternative for preschool, elementary, and higher education levels, based on years of research by teachers, university professors, and pedagogy experts. Its integrative approach is grounded in teaching connected to everyday life, with attention to different learning rhythms, and prioritizes the development of self-esteem, critical thinking, comprehensive English language skills from pre-kindergarten, as well as discovery as a learning method in science and mathematics. Cartagena believed in an education without peer competition, but rather focused on the student's personal growth. He was a member of PDK International.

He was a frequent contributor with essays and columns to newspapers such as El Mundo and El Nuevo Dia. He also ran his own consulting firm in educational and business systems and led the State Education Volunteer Project “Voluntario Estatal de Educación”, sponsored by Caribbean University, focused on channeling community efforts toward a structural transformation of Puerto Rico's education system.

Written works Revisión debre la Tologia de la Esperanza – 1972 - thesis for Pontifical Gregorian University Freud, Filosofia y Religion - 1976 thesis for the University of Puerto Rico Background and Characteristics of Low and High Scoring Students on SAT Applying to Inter Ametrican University in Academic years 1975-76; 1976–77 and the Relationship of Their Scores to Their Academic Performance During Their First Semester of College, thesis for Nova University Puerto Rico Enfermo – 1983 Una Agenda para la Excelencia Academica – 1984