Each day, Maine’s Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents demonstrate exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to public education, and are devoted to supporting students, empowering staff, and strengthening their communities. The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of the Year Awards provide an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate these efforts at both the state and national levels.
We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the outstanding educational leaders in your region and consider nominating a colleague whose work exemplifies excellence, innovation, and impact. These prestigious awards not only honor individual achievement—they highlight the strength and commitment of public-school leadership across Maine.
Superintendent of the Year
This national program, administered by AASA, the School Superintendents Association, recognizes superintendents who exemplify creativity, leadership, and dedication to public education. All nominations and applications must be submitted online at http://soy.aasa.org.
Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year
Established in 2016 and awarded by the Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA), this program recognizes an Assistant Superintendent who has made significant contributions to their district and the broader educational community. See the nomination form and application procedure linked below.
Key Dates
Superintendent of the Year (via AASA)
• May 18 – Nominations open.
• July 2025 – Applicants invited to the AASA National Conference on Education (Feb. 25-27, 2027, in Atlanta, GA).
• August 7 – Deadline for online nominations (http://soy.aasa.org).
• September 8 – Deadline for online applications for the State of Maine.
• October – MSSA selection committee reviews applications and announces the winner at the MSSA Annual Meeting.
• Nov.–Dec. – AASA selects four national finalists.
• January 2027 – Finalists are interviewed by AASA’s Blue Ribbon Committee.
• February 2027 – Honorees celebrated at the AASA National Conference in Atlanta.
Maine Assistant Superintendent of the Year (via MSSA)
• May 18 – Nominations open.
• August 7 – Deadline to submit nominations to MSSA.
• September 8 – Deadline for completed applications and resumes.
• October – MSSA selection committee reviews applications and selects the winner.
• MSSA Annual Meeting – Award presented.
• February 25-27, 2027 – Attend NCE conference in Atlanta, Georgia as a guest of MSSA.
Let’s honor the remarkable leaders who make a difference every day. Nominate a deserving Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent today. Their leadership deserves to be recognized—and celebrated.
For questions or assistance, please contact the MSSA office.
Assistant Superintendent of the Year - Application Procedure