Arne Duncan Biography

Fast Facts

• During his time with Chicago Public Schools, he opened more than 100 new schools and saw math and reading scores reach all-time highs for the district
• Won the Niagara Foundation's Education Award and the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship's Enterprising Educator Award in 2007
• Served on the boards of several organizations like Chicago Cares, the Children's Center, and the Golden Apple Foundation
• Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University with a degree in Sociology in 1987
• Received honorary degrees from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Lake Forest College, and National-Louis University
• Played professional basketball in Australia from 1987 to 1991
• Was the leader of the non-profit foundation Ariel Education Initiative from 1992 to 1998 before joining Chicago Public Schools
• Prior to becoming the Secretary of Education, he served as the CEO of Chicago Public Schools for seven years
• Best known as the U․S․ Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama