Administrator of the Year and Special Honors
One of ACSA’s priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence. Through our annual awards program we honor administrators and community members for their achievements and their dedication to public education.
Awards are given regionally and at a state level depending on the award category. The nomination process is an open process and usually involves the nominee as the primary source of information. The forms are available online, and can be completed and saved electronically. We urge you to participate by giving the materials some thought and taking action to nominate deserving colleagues.
Administrator of the Year (AOY)
These awards recognize outstanding performance and achievement by individual administrators, classified managers or confidential employees in the following categories:
Superintendent
Secondary Principal
Middle Grades Principal
Elementary Principal
Central Office Administrator (District/County)
Elementary Co-Administrator
Secondary Co-Administrator
Classified Leader
Confidential Employee
Personnel/Human Resources Administrator
Adult Education Administrator
Career Technical Education Administrator
Special Education Administrator
Superintendent/Principal
Business Services Administrator
Student Services Administrator
Curriculum and Instruction Administrator
Continuation/Educational Options Administrator
Professor of Education
Retired Administrator (Volunteer Service to ACSA)
Technology Administrator
Recipients must be active ACSA members who show strong support for the school management team; exceptional leadership in managing school programs; commitment to educational quality and student achievement; commitment to professional growth; and creativity and innovation in dealing with issues and problems facing public education. Current ACSA employees and ACSA board members are not eligible to receive these awards.
Silver Star
These awards are presented to administrators who meet the AOY criteria above, are members of ACSA, but have not yet demonstrated a strong commitment to ACSA at the charter, region and/or state level.
Partners in Educational Excellence (PIEE)
The Partners in Educational Excellence Award is given annually to exemplary, school-community-partnership programs that promote effective educational performance, enhanced student achievement and strong community involvement in educational quality. This award recognizes the individual leadership and contributions of school administrators, educators and community or business leaders involved in the program. Current ACSA employees and ACSA board members are not eligible to receive this award.
Student Scholarship Winners
Each year, Region 3 awards a number of scholarships (minimum of $500 each) to outstanding college-bound, high-school seniors (or outstanding, continuing-college students). The recipient must be a family member of an active ACSA Region 3 member.
Fiscal Support
Award winners are recognized at the Region 3 Annual AOY Awards Gala in May. Although attendees pay for their dinner (plated, 3-course meal, complimentary wine, awards, AV, hotel ballroom charges), Region 3 provides complimentary dinners to the AOY and Silver Star
awardees and a guest. PIEE and Student Scholarship winners are also provided with complimentary dinners for the awardee and two guests. Other attendees, such as the Region 3 Consultant, photographer and representatives of financial sponsors also receive complimentary dinners. This gala is the most lavish and prestigious event of the year, as the Region 3 Board has made it a priority to honor our most committed leaders.
Visit state ACSA’s Awards Program page for complete information and a link to the online nomination platform. Here you will also find frequently asked questions, tips for successful nominations, demo videos and other helpful resources.