AAESA

AAESA congratulates these incredible finalists for National Distinguished Principal! This exceptional group represents our profession well!

🎉 Three Alabama principals have been named finalists for Alabama’s 2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal!

Congratulations to:
• Dr. Melvin Love, Oxmoor Valley Elementary
• Dr. Preeti Nichani, Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary
• Ms. Sheneta Smith, Howell Graves Preschool

These outstanding school leaders will now participate in school visits and interviews as part of the selection process for Alabama’s National Distinguished Principal.

Read the full announcement:
https://clasleaders.org/communications/news/three-alabama-principals-named-finalists-for-alabamas-2026-naesp-national-distinguished-principal/

Sponsored by: Bailey Education Group


Association of Elementary School Principals

Make sure you’ve cast your vote for NAESP Vice President! (Must be an NAESP member-check your emails from February 10th for ballot)

2026 NAESP Vice President Candidates Named - NAESP Meet the Vice President Candidates Named for the 2026 NAESP Election.

Great article highlighting the work done on Capitol Hill this past week! Featured in the article is AAESA’s very own David Carpenter, our federal relations coordinator, who organized and prepared our team well for this trip!

On Capitol Hill, Relieved Principals Press for Even More Federal Support With the fiscal 2026 budget maintaining level K-12 funding, principals look to the future.

Round 2 this afternoon on the Hill!

Big thank you to representative Palmer, Rogers, Aderholt, and Figures for giving us time to talk about the needs of Alabama schools!




National Association of Elementary School Principals

CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools

This morning CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and AAESA leadership met with staff from the offices of Senators Tuberville and Britt, as well as House Representative Dale Strong.

Key issues discussed were additonal funding for school nurses, guidance counselors and mental health needs, fully funding IDEA and Title I, Title II-Part A, early childhood education and more!

We are so thankful for these representatives for giving us their time to share important matters of Alabama schools!

Headed to see a few more leaders this afternoon!

National Association of Elementary School Principals

AAESA and CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools are on the Hill today! Best part of the job, elevating student voices! We are looking forward to a full and productive day speaking with Senators and State Representatives on behalf of Alabama schools.

National Association of Elementary School Principals

CLAS and AAESA leadership at the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference. Looking forward to Hill Day tomorrow, proud to be working for students, teachers and principals not just in Alabama but across the nation! 🇺🇸 Follow NAESP for updates on the advocacy agenda…

National Association of Elementary School Principals
CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools

AAESA has boots on the ground in Washington DC this week! We are excited to work alongside school leaders from all over the nation to support the needs of students everywhere.

The National School Leaders Advocacy Conference is underway!

Explore the 2026 National Association of Elementary School Principals Legislative Agenda and see what we’re taking to Capitol Hill this week: www.naesp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NAESP-2026-Legislative-Agenda.pdf

We loved having Carlos Ojeda Jr at our Fall Conference!

📢 Rep your affiliate!

Get your AAESA gear at the link:

https://shoalscustomcreations.com/products/aaesa-emerald?utm_campaign=%28AAESA+Emerald%298876M9X98695795122228&utm_medium=qrcode&utm_source=shopcodes

Elementary Principals-tomorrow is the last day to register before the price goes up!

Join the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) at the Fall Instructional Leadership Conference, November 16–19, 2025, in beautiful Orange Beach, AL.

This professional learning event brings elementary principals together under the inspiring theme, “Imagine, Believe, Lead.” Attendees will engage in powerful sessions focused on student engagement, relationship building, differentiated discipline strategies, teacher retention, attendance, ELL, professional development, culture, proven programs for success, and special education. Featuring nationally recognized speakers alongside experienced building administrators, this conference delivers relevant insights, practical strategies, and renewed inspiration for today’s leaders. Beyond the sessions, it’s an unmatched opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas with elementary administrators from across Alabama.

Hope to see you there!