The Assistant Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, was established in 1990 to bring recognition to the assistant principalship and to spotlight the critical role that assistant principals play in the education of our youth. The program recognizes outstanding school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Citations, CAS’ highest honor, are awarded to practicing or recently retired school administrators who have made extraordinary and long-term contributions to CAS-CIAC. Recipients must have been actively involved in the association for a minimum of eight years.

Letters of Commendation are awarded to practicing or recently retired school administrators who have served the association over an extended period of time or have made extraordinary contributions within a limited period.

The Distinguished Friend of Education Awards, established in 1983, honor a person and an organization or corporation for outstanding service to education in Connecticut.

The Arthur Director Leadership Award Program is open to all schools participating in the Middle School Leadership Training Conference. This award, named for the founder of Connecticut Lighting Centers, is presented to the school that shows superior application of the concepts learned at the leadership conference.

Understanding that there are many creative and innovative leaders serving in a variety of administrative roles, CAS established the “Outstanding Leadership Award” to honor individuals in 092 positions who are not acting as principals or assistant principals. This award, which is ongoing throughout the year and may be given to more than one recipient, provides districts with an opportunity to recognize outstanding leadership among curriculum specialists, chairpersons, directors or other such positions.

The Elementary Principal of the Year Award, also known as the National Distinguished Principal Award, recognizes the importance of acknowledging and rewarding the dedication and enthusiasm of principals who guide children’s earliest educational experiences.

The Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is designed to spotlight the achievements of individual school leaders and at the same time increase public awareness of the critical role that principals play in the education of our youth. The program honors middle and high school principals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, a passion for educational excellence, a commitment to their students and staff, and service to their communities.

CAS spotlights programs that demonstrate creativity and innovation through the application of 21st century skills.

The Connecticut Association of Schools invites schools to apply for recognition for positive school climate practices. Educators have long recognized the importance of positive climate in achieving success for all students. While described in many different ways, climate is in fact embedded in almost all aspects of school life in schools that succeed. Schools seeking recognition will be asked to complete a self-assessment.

The School of the Year Award gives public recognition to an outstanding CAS member middle and elementary school that deserve recognition for exemplary programs and practices that successfully meet the needs of 21st century learners.

To honor William Cieslukowski, a dedicated school principal and former president of the Elementary & Middle School Principals of Connecticut, this award recognizes a first year elementary, middle and high school principal who have had a positive impact on their school or school district. The recipients must demonstrate exemplary instructional and organizational leadership, a willingness to take risks, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Nominations may be made by superintendents, teachers, or colleague principals.