Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Senior Advisor, The District Management Council

Dr. Ackerman served as the Christian A. Johnson Professor of Outstanding Educational Practice and Director of Inquiry Program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to that, Dr. Ackerman served as the CEO of the School District of Philadelphia as well as the Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, and has served in public education for 32 years.

Before coming to San Francisco, Dr. Ackerman served as Superintendent of the Washington, D.C. Public Schools. Other work experiences include classroom teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels; principal at the middle school level; Director, Upward Bound Program for first generation college-bound students; Director, Basic Skills Academy for at-risk high school youth; Assistant Superintendent, Special Services; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Academic Achievement; and Deputy Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer.

Dr. Ackerman received Masters and Doctoral degrees from Harvard University. She also received a Masters Degree from Washington University, St. Louis and a Bachelors Degree from Harris Stowe Teachers College in St. Louis.

Dr. Ackerman has received numerous honors and awards including Apple for the Teacher Award-Iota Lambda Sorority, Distinguished Alumni Award-Harris Stowe Teachers College, and recognition from Harvard University's Urban Superintendents Program.

Dr. Ackerman is also actively involved with many organizations including Bay Area School Reform Collaboration, BROAD-Urban Superintendents Academy Program, Council of the Great City Schools, Harvard Urban Superintendents Program, San Francisco Fine Arts Board of Trustees, San Francisco Symphony Board of Governors and WestEd.