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About the Program

The National Superintendent of the Year® Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation's public schools. This program is sponsored by First Student, Corebridge Financial and AASA. Download the FAQ here.    

Eligibility

Any AASA Affiliate Association State Superintendent of the Year® who plans to continue in the profession may be nominated. This program is designed to recognize the outstanding leadership of active, front-line superintendents. It is not recognition of service at retirement or a program to reward current state or national leaders.

Selection Criteria

Each candidate for the National Superintendent of the Year® Award must first be named by their state association as the State Superintendent of the Year.

Each State Superintendent of the Year is judged on the following criteria:  

Leadership for Learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system.  

Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication.  

Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team.  

Community Involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.  

  

Each applicant must contact the AASA Affiliated/State Associations to inquire about the State Superintendent of the Year selection process and application deadlines. Timelines vary from state to state.  To be eligible for National Superintendent of the Year®, an applicant must first be selected as a State Superintendent of the Year by the state association of school administrators or AASA Affiliate program. AASA, The School Superintendents Association, has affiliate relationships with 49 state administrator associations and the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (Canada). Access state association/affiliate websites by clicking on the following link: My.AASA.org .

Selection Timeline

State Superintendents of the Year submit the application online through the AASA website at soy.aasa.org before November 1. 

The deadline for completed applications for State Superintendents of the Year vary by state.

November 1: Deadline for all State Associations to select a State Winner

November 1: Deadline for all State Superintendents of the Year to complete the National application online at  soy.aasa.org

December 16: National Finalists Notified 

January 12: Four Finalists participate in a national briefing and interviews virtually

February 16: National Superintendent of the Year® is announced; All State Superintendents of the Year are honored during the AASA National Conference on Education

 

View a List of Former National Superintendents of the Year®