Superintendent, School District of Clayton, Clayton, Missouri
Nominee: Linda Darling-Hammond
Prior to accepting the superintendent position in Clayton, Missouri in 2010, Mary Herrmann worked for ten years as a superintendent in Winnetka and Barrington, Illinois. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Herrmann’s tenure as a district-level leader began as an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction at New Trier High School (Winnetka, Ill). She has eight years experience as a building administrator, serving as both an elementary school principal and a high school principal. Prior to becoming an administrator, Herrmann was a school counselor and teacher for 11 years. In addition to serving students and families in elementary and secondary schools, Herrmann teaches and advises graduate students in the Educational and Organizational Leadership department at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She also serves on the board of directors for the Great Books Foundation and the Midwest Principals’ Center.
Originally from Madison, WI., Herrmann shares her passion for education with her entire family. Her husband, Scott, is a middle school principal and adjunct professor. She has two children, Jessica, a school psychologist, and Zachary, a math teacher.
