Honoring the leaders and districts shaping the future of American education
Four categories. One national stage. Applications are open for the 2026 DA Awards of Distinction recognizing the K-12 leaders and districts doing work that deserves to be seen.
Applications close September 11, 2026. No entry fee.
District Administration’s National Awards Program
District Administration is now accepting applications for its National Awards Program, honoring outstanding K-12 school districts and visionary leaders across the nation! This prestigious program aims to recognize and celebrate innovative initiatives that have delivered measurable results, revolutionizing education within school districts.
The deadline is September 11, 2026, so enter today!
Recognition that truly matters.
For decades, District Administration has been the trusted voice in K-12 leadership. We’ve witnessed the districts that didn’t just endure challenges, they transformed them into opportunities to create something extraordinary.
The Awards of Distinction were created to celebrate these trailblazers. To showcase their achievements to the national superintendent community. To ensure that the initiatives driving real change get the spotlight they deserve.
apply for awards of distinction
Award Categories
Districts of Distinction
At the heart of Districts of Distinction is the belief that remarkable, home-grown programs can inspire and be replicated by educators nationwide. We are searching for pioneering initiatives that have made a significant impact on student achievement, engagement, and overall educational excellence. By sharing these successful models, we empower educators to build similar programs in their districts, fostering positive change in education nationwide.
Criteria for Selecting Winners
Innovative Practices: Recognizing districts that have implemented innovative and successful approaches to address educational challenges, improve student outcomes, or enhance community engagement.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: Acknowledging districts that have demonstrated significant improvements in student achievement, including academic performance, graduation rates, or closing achievement gaps.
COMMUNITY IMPACT: Evaluating districts that have positively impacted their communities through initiatives such as partnerships with local organizations, community service programs, or outreach efforts.
Leaders of Distinction
Leaders of Distinction provides an exceptional platform to recognize individual leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision, executed innovative strategies, and achieved remarkable results.
WHO SHOULD APPLY:
We are seeking extraordinary Superintendents, Cabinet Leaders, Technology Leaders, and Principals who have spearheaded transformative initiatives, paving the way for progress within their districts
Criteria for Selecting Winners
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP: Identifying leaders who have demonstrated a clear and inspiring vision for their district, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
EDUCATIONAL IMPACT: Recognizing leaders who have implemented effective strategies resulting in improved student outcomes, increased graduation rates, or enhanced educational opportunities.
COLLABORATIVE ENGAGEMENT: Considering leaders who have successfully engaged stakeholders, such as teachers, staff, parents, and the community, in the decision-making process and built strong relationships to support student success
Women of Distinction
Recognizing women who have exhibited exceptional leadership skills in the education field, inspiring and empowering others to achieve their full potential, resulting in improved student outcomes, increased graduation rates, or enhanced educational opportunities.
Criteria for Selecting Winners
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: Recognizing women who have exhibited exceptional leadership skills in the education field, inspiring and empowering others to achieve their full potential, resulting in improved student outcomes, increased graduation rates, or enhanced educational opportunities
ADVOCACY & EQUITY: Evaluating candidates who have been champions for educational equity, advocating for inclusive policies, and promoting opportunities for marginalized student populations.
Dr. Carmen Balgobin
2026 Woman of the Year
Superintendent of the Year
The prestigious Superintendent of the Year Award, a celebration of exceptional leadership and extraordinary commitment to excellence in education. This award honors bold and courageous leaders who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication to fostering academic success, cultivating culture, building strong and innovative systems, and driving transformative changes within their schools and communities.
Criteria for Selecting Winners
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Demonstrated ability to lead a school district with vision, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student achievement and well-being.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Proven success in building strong partnerships with parents, community leaders, and local organizations to support and enhance educational outcomes.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION: Implementation of groundbreaking strategies and programs that drive academic excellence, equity, and continuous improvement across all levels of the school district.
Dr. Jeff Horton
2026 Superintendent of the Year
the venue
The Langham Huntington
december 16-18, 2026 | pasadena, ca
