The search for a new commissioner of early education and care for Massachusetts is nearly complete.

Two final candidates have been chosen, and their interviews can be seen live on YouTube tomorrow at noon. More information is available here.

“This is an opportunity for the public to hear from the candidates and learn about their experience, qualifications, and interest in leading the important work of the department and its mission to support the best outcomes for Massachusetts’ children at a particularly pivotal moment in time for the agency and the field,” Nonie Lesaux, chair of the Early Education and Care Board, says in a press release.

Tom Weber, the current commissioner, announced in March that he would be stepping down. The Board then launched a national search to find a new commissioner.

The two finalists are Samantha Aigner-Treworgy from Chicago and Cliff Chuang of Boston.

Samantha Aigner-Treworgy

A former pre-K teacher and teaching coach, Samantha Aigner-Treworgy is the chief of early learning in Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration. She “oversees approximately $350 million in early childhood funding across multiple city agencies, including coordination of birth-to-five services in schools, community-based organizations and home visiting programs,” the press release says.

“Prior to working for the City of Chicago, she was the national policy manager at Ounce of Prevention Fund – a nonprofit focused on expanding early childhood learning opportunities for low-income children.”

“She holds a Master’s in social service administration and a Master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College in Northampton, MA.”

Cliff Chuang

Cliff Chuang is a former, Boston Public School, math and science teacher. He currently serves as the Senior Associate Commissioner for Educational Options at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

He “has worked to expand access to a wide-range of educational options, including charter schools, virtual schools, adult education, recovery high schools, career technical education, early college programs, and out-of-school time programs. He also oversees student and family support initiatives, the early learning team, and strategies to support social-emotional learning, health and safety.”

“He graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and completed the undergraduate teacher education program. He holds a Master’s in education in mathematics secondary teaching from Boston College.”

To learn more about the candidates, tune in tomorrow at noon, listen to what they have to say, and form your own opinion.