SCHOOL LEADER AND EDUCATOR

Educational Leadership / Student Performance / Teacher Development

Offering over 20 years of progressive experience in development and oversight of academic programs, policies and initiatives to promote student growth and achievement. Diverse leadership across a range of institutions, with expertise in engaged learning, initiatives to enhance student achievement and success, and staff professional development. Experience and focused on analyzing data to uncover target areas for increased student growth and continuous improvement, with experience in improving rates of achievement among students with opportunity gaps. Strong record of success in developing and implementing instructional strategies to improve standards alignment, differentiation, equity and rigor. Passion for fostering positive and secure learning environments where all faculty, staff and parents become fully engaged in students’ journeys.

What people have to say:

"Scott's scholarly rigor and meticulous research highlight not only his mastery of the field but also his strong commitment to justice, belonging and human dignity." - Dr. Kyei-Blankson

"Scott brings a deeply human, culturally responsive, and student-centered approach to school leadership. His work focuses on creating learning environments where students, educators, and families are truly engaged, and where student voice is not just heard-but honored. From curriculum development to administrative leadership, Scott's message is clear: building trust is the foundation of meaningful education, and empowering students to contribute actively to that journey leads to lasting school transformation." - Tomorrow People, EDC2026

"... today we celebrate Principal Scott Scherquist, the proud leader of Ariel Community Academy in Network 9. He has been leading in partnership with Ariel Investments to bring a unique take on financial literacy to children on the South Side of Chicago. Under his leadership and through the groundbreaking Ariel-Nuveen Investment Program, the school seamlessly integrates economic and market concepts into the daily curriculum, starting as early as kindergarten. Notably, each incoming first-grade class is awarded a real $20,000 grant, allowing students to learn how to actively manage stock portfolios and make real-world investment decisions by the time they reach the upper grades. This innovative approach has driven massive academic and long-term success; Ariel Community Academy consistently performs well in the district in math and reading proficiency, boasting a phenomenal 97% high school graduation rate among its alumni. Congratulations, Principal Scherquist, and a round of applause to his team on all of their hard work in empowering the next generation of financially capable leaders! "

Professional School Administrative Experience

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Chicago, IL

Resident Principal, Assistant Principal, Principal

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, New York, NY

Tenured Teacher, Testing and Assessment Coordinator, Teacher Effectiveness Facilitator, Assistant Principal

Education

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY— Normal, IL

Doctor of Education

CUNY CITY COLLEGE, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION — New York, NY 

Master of Science in School Building and District Leadership 

CUNY QUEENS COLLEGE, AARON COPLAND SCHOOL OF MUSIC — Queens, NY 

Master of Science in Music Education 

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, STEINHART SCHOOL OF EDUCATION — New York, NY

Bachelor of Science in Music Education

Certificates and Professional Development 

IL Professional Educator License – Principal, General Administrative, Superintendent and Chief School Business Official Endorsements 

NYS Teaching (K-12) – Permanent and NYS School Building Leadership 

Leaders in Education Apprenticeship, New York City Department of Education (2014)

New Leaders, Aspiring Principals Program, New Leaders Chicago and the Chicago Leadership Collaborative (2015)