Education means progress – for us all. Schools are where children learn reading, writing, arithmetic and social skills. It is through education that we develop our talents and build future prospects. Inspiring, skilled teachers and school leaders make that happen. The crucial basis for this is a society in which everyone is treated equally and can participate fully. I’m committed to that goal.
- Early years education
- Primary education
- Secondary education
- Appropriate education, special education
- Adult education
- Non-formal education
- Public libraries
- Teacher policy
- Community service
- Educational institution buildings (inclusive in relation to climate goals)
- Equal opportunities and government commissioner for sexually inappropriate behaviour and sexual violence
- Board of Tests and Examinations
- 23 February 2026
Appointed Minister for Primary and Secondary Education and Equality in the Jetten government - 19 June 2025 – 23 February 2026
Minister for Youth, Prevention and Sport in the Schoof government - 31 October 2017 – 19 June 2025
Member of the House of Representatives for the VVD, party spokesperson on healthcare, social affairs and employment, and education; deputy chair of parliamentary commission of inquiry on gas extraction operations in Groningen (25 May 2021 – 20 April 2023) - April 2014 – October 2017
Owner, Judith Tielen Strategie- en marketingadvies B.V. - March 2014 – October 2017
Member of the VVD group on Utrecht municipal council - October 2013 – 2016
Lecturer/researcher at the Market Research, Marketing and Innovation Department, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (healthcare branding project planner) - 2005 – 2007
Director of health insurance complaints and disputes body SGKZ - 2004 – 2016
Partner/strategic marketing consultant, Business Openers - 2001 – 2004
Marketeer (global brand management), FrieslandCampina - 1996 – 2001
Marketeer, Procter & Gamble
- 1990 – 1996
Medicine, Utrecht University (MSc obtained) - 1984 – 1990
Secondary education, Ulenhof College, Doetinchem
- October 2024 – June 2025
Member of the ProDemos review committee - July 2019 – June 2025
Treasurer, ‘Derde Utrechtse Groep’ local scout group - May 2008 – June 2014
Secretary, VVD national executive committee - Until 2007
Chair, Utrecht branch of the VVD
