Women in School Leadership Awards

Women in School Leadership nominees on stage


The Women in School Leadership awards recognize female educators whose talent, creativity and vision are exemplary.

Two awards are presented annually at the ÂÜÀòÍøNational Conference on Education.

Eligibility

The ÂÜÀòÍøWomen 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.

Selection Criteria

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 & Applications

Nominations:

Nominations must be by September 8, 2024.

Applications:

Applications must be by October 4, 2024.

Selection Process

A panel of distinguished leaders in education will select two finalists in each category for the ÂÜÀòÍøWomen 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 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Conference on Education.

Recognition

Each award recipient will receive $1,000 and a plaque.

Each award finalist will receive complimentary registration to the ÂÜÀòÍøNational Conference on Education.

Important Dates & Deadlines
  • September 8, 2024: Deadline for nominations
  • October 4, 2024: Deadline for applications
  • November 18, 2024: Finalists are announced
  • March 6-8, 2025: Winners are announced on stage at the ÂÜÀòÍøNational Conference on Education
2025 Women in School Leadership Award Winners
Superintendent Category
Wendy Birhanzel
Wendy Birhanzel, superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.)

Dr. Wendy Birhanzel is honored to be Colorado's 2023 Superintendent of the Year. Her passion is ensuring a high-quality education experience for every student and opening doors to opportunities and success.

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Central Office/ Principal Category
Alicen Gaytley
Alicen Gaytley, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.)

Before stepping into district leadership, Alicen was an elementary school teacher and instructional coach who earned a National Board Certification in English as a New Language, a regional Excellence Award, and served on the Washington State ASCD Board of Directors.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions
If I am nominated for the Women in School Leadership Award, how do I apply?
Submit your application .
I am a nominator or award applicant and have forgotten my login and/or password. What do I do?

Use the "forgot your password" link on the .

If you do not receive an email within one hour, please contact awards@aasa.org or 703-875-0709.

Thank You to our Women in School Leadership Awards Partner
Questions?

Contact awards@aasa.org
or call 703-875-0709