AASA will announce the recipients of the 2025 Women in School Leadership Awards at the 2nd General Session of the association’s National Conference on Education on Friday morning, March 7, in New Orleans.
The awards, presented by AASA in partnership with Horace Mann Educators Corporation, recognize outstanding female leaders who have made significant contributions to education in two key job categories: superintendent and central office/principal.
The 2025 Women in School Leadership Award finalists are as follows in the Central Office/ Principal category:
- Alicen Gaytley, director of teaching and learning, Quincy School District in Washington; and
- Jennifer Halter, principal, Clay High School, Clay County District Schools in Florida.
In the Superintendent category, the two final contenders are:
- Wendy Birhanzel, superintendent, Harrison School District 2 in Colorado; and
- Martha Salazar-Zamora, superintendent, Tomball Independent School District in Texas.
“Horace Mann is proud to partner with AASA to recognize the 2025 finalists for the prestigious AASA Women in School Leadership Awards,” said Marita Zuraitis, president, Horace Mann Educators Corporation in a prepared statement. “The passion, dedication and vision demonstrated by these finalists significantly impacts both students and educators every day.”
The finalists will be evaluated on their leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills, and active community involvement.
