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.

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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!

Apply for the DA Awards of Distinction

Click on the plus sign next to each category to view application requirements and to apply

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Award Categories

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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