Nominations Open for Superintendents to Watch and Emerging Leaders Awards

Author: NSPRA/Thursday, September 3, 2026/Categories: News

Do you know an emerging leader in school PR (five years or less in the field) or a newer superintendent (five years or less in the role) who deserves national recognition?

NSPRA is now accepting nominations for two national awards celebrating leaders who are making an impact in school communication.

Read more about each award below and submit your nomination by Monday, November 2!

Superintendents to Watch

Each year, NSPRA honors a select number of district leaders as Superintendents to Watch. Honorees are district leaders who have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent and who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Nominees must have:

Five years or fewer of cumulative experience as a superintendent of schools in a school district/school board system(s) at the time of nomination;
Implemented a communication program for the district that includes the use of new communication technology as well as more traditional communication tools;
Integrated communication goals and strategies into the district’s strategic plan; and
Active, visible involvement in the district’s communication efforts.

NSPRA membership is not required.

How Honorees Are Recognized

Honorees are featured on NSPRA’s website, in e-newsletters, on social media and recognized during the Superintendents’ Luncheon at the NSPRA National Seminar. Honorees will also receive a verified digital badge recognizing their selection that can be added to social media profiles and email signatures. Nominations are due Monday, November 2.

Emerging Leaders Award

Each year, NSPRA’s Emerging Leaders Award recognizes up to seven individuals, one from each of NSPRA’s seven regions, who are making an impact in school PR, communications or marketing with fewer than five years in the profession.

Who Can Be Nominated?

To be eligible for nomination, individuals must:

Have no more than five years of professional experience working in school public relations, school communications or school marketing;
Have been a Professional or Professional Partner member of NSPRA for at least one calendar year; and
Be active and involved in their state or regional SPRA chapter if one exists or in NSPRA.

How Honorees Are Recognized

Honorees are featured on NSPRA’s website, in e-newsletters, on social media and celebrated during the NSPRA National Seminar. Honorees will also receive a verified digital badge recognizing their selection that can be added to social media profiles and email signatures. Nominations are due Monday, November 2.

For questions, please email awards@nspra.org.

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Tags: superintendent communication career advancement