Ackerman, 66, the Christian A. Johnson Professor of Outstanding Education Practice from 2006 to 2008, directed the Inquiry Program, TC's largest doctoral program, as well as the College's Superintendent's Work Conference before leaving to become Superintendent of Schools in Philadelphia. She also served as Superintendent in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. When Ackerman left TC in 2008, she wrote that she had a "passion" for the "on-the-ground battle for our children who attend urban public schools."