Teachers unions and the education establishment reacted with predictable scorn to the nomination of Betsy DeVos as secretary of Education.

But parents have reason to be optimistic, and for one simple reason: DeVos has been a champion for school choice across the country.

Her support goes beyond mere lip service. She has worked to advance viable options for students and families, including charter schools, vouchers, tuition tax credit scholarships and education savings accounts.

That support for education choice will be a welcome change of pace, particularly for poor children living in the nation's capital.