Superintendent, D.C. Public Schools
Arlene Ackerman is the superintendent of the District of Columbia public schools. In her 28 years in public education, Ms. Ackerman has served as a middle school teacher; the director of the Upward Bound Program for first generation college-bound students; and the director of the Basic Schools Academy for at-risk high school youth. Prior to becoming the superintendent of D.C. public schools, Ms. Ackerman served as the assistant superintendent for special services; the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and academic achievement; and the deputy superintendent/chief academic officer. In addition to her service, Ms. Ackerman is affiliated with numerous organizations including the Harvard University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the American Association of School Administrators. Ms. Ackerman is a member of the Private Industry Council's advisory board, the Dean's advisory board at Seattle University, and the Superintendent's Preparation Program Advisory Board at Seattle Pacific University. Ms. Ackerman has been recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, and has received such honors as the Uniquely University City Award for Outstanding Service, the Apple for the Teacher Award from Iota Lambda Sorority, the Distinguished Alumni Award from Harris Stowe Teachers College, and a McDonnell Douglass Fellow from the Urban Superintendents Program. Ms. Ackerman is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy in the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Urban Superintendents Program.