Women in School Leadership Awards
The Women in School Leadership awards recognize female educators whose talent, creativity and vision are exemplary.
Two awards are presented annually at the AASA National Conference on Education.
The AASA Women in School Leadership Award program is designed to recognize the exceptional leadership of active, front-line female leaders who are making a difference in the lives of students every day.
Two awards are available:
The Superintendent Award: Awarded to any female superintendent who's been in the superintendent position for two years or more.
The Central Office/Principal Award: Awarded to any female central office or building level leader. Equivalent job titles may include: assistant superintendent, central office administrator, school based principal/assistant principal.
Each applicant is judged on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning: Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in her school or district.
- Communication: Strength in both personal and organizational communication.
- Professionalism: Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing motivation to others on the education team.
- Community Involvement: Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.
Nominations:
Nominations must be completed online by September 4, 2025.
Applications:
Applications must be submitted online by October 3, 2025.
A panel of distinguished leaders in education will select two finalists in each category for the AASA Women in School Leadership Awards.
The decision will be based on the applications submitted online and supporting documents.
The judges will virtually interview the four finalists and winners will be announced at the AASA National Conference on Education.
Each award recipient will receive $1,000 and a plaque.
Each award finalist will receive complimentary registration to the AASA National Conference on Education.
- September 4, 2025: Deadline for nominations
- October 3, 2025: Deadline for applications
- November 18, 2025: Finalists are announced
- February 12-14, 2026: Winners are announced on stage at the AASA National Conference on Education
2026 Women in School Leadership Finalists
Superintendent Category
Myriam Rogers, superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools (Md.)
Dr. Myriam Rogers serves as Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), the 25th largest school system in the United States, educating more than 111,000 students across a richly diverse community
Crystal Turner, superintendent, Saddleback Valley Unified School District (Calif.)
Dr. Crystal Turner began her career in Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) as a classroom teacher and returned in 2017 to serve as superintendent. She brings a deep understanding of both school-site and district-wide needs.
Central Office/ Principal Category
Mary Decker, associate director of schools for teaching and learning, Franklin Special District (Tenn.)
Dr. Mary Decker is thrilled and fortunate to be in her sixth year of serving as associate director of schools in the Franklin Special District. During her initial year in this role, she was named the district supervisor of the year and proceeded to the state competition.
Janeen Peretin, assistant to the superintendent, Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Pa.)
A 2024 CIO of the Year “Tech Trailblazer” and Duquesne Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, she is passionate about inspiring future leaders, especially through groundbreaking initiatives like the Fly Like a Girl (FLAG) Drone Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Thank You to our Women in School Leadership Awards Partner
Questions?
Contact awards@aasa.org
or call 703-875-0709