Dr. Justin Hefner Honored with CLAS Leadership Award

Montgomery, AL – June 15, 2026 – Dr. Justin Hefner, representing the Alabama Statewide Alliance of Instructional Leaders (ALSAIL), has been awarded the prestigious CLAS Leadership Award at the 2026 CLAS Convention. This award is presented annually to a distinguished leader who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities, significant contributions to education, and active involvement in CLAS and its affiliates.

The CLAS Leadership Award recipient is selected by a dedicated committee of current CLAS Board of Directors members. This year, Dr. Hefner was chosen from a group of nine nominees, recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities, contributions to education, and dedication to the mission of CLAS.

Dr. Hefner’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of Homewood City Schools, where he serves as Superintendent, impacting educational leadership, policy, and student outcomes across Alabama. As president of ALSAIL, he provided steady and visionary leadership during a pivotal period in the organization’s history, successfully guiding the transition from the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD) to ALSAIL.

Through thoughtful collaboration, strategic planning, and transparent communication, he led a comprehensive organizational rebrand that preserved member engagement, maintained organizational stability, and positioned the organization for continued growth and impact. His ability to navigate significant change while building consensus among diverse stakeholders reflects his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting instructional leaders throughout the state.

Beyond his affiliate leadership, Dr. Hefner has played a pivotal role in shaping statewide education policy and practice through his service on key task forces. As chairperson of the Alabama Literacy Task Force, he has led the development of the Continuum for Teacher Development in the Science of Reading and guided statewide reviews of literacy interventions and assessments for K-3 students. His impact extends further through his service on the Accountability Task Force, where he has contributed valuable expertise to the refinement of Alabama’s school report cards and accountability measures, working closely with the Alabama State Department of Education, state legislators, educators, and community stakeholders to strengthen systems that are both rigorous and responsive to the realities of schools and classrooms. Across each of these roles, Dr. Hefner has earned a reputation as a trusted advocate for public education whose integrity, professionalism, and strategic thinking consistently place students at the center of every decision.

“Dr. Justin Hefner represents the very best of what CLAS leadership looks like,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, CLAS Executive Director. “He guided ALSAIL through a complex organizational transition with steady hands and clear communication, and his work chairing the Alabama Literacy Task Force and serving on the Accountability Task Force has shaped policy that reaches classrooms across our state. We are honored to present him with the CLAS Leadership Award.”

Horace Mann, a long-time sponsor of the CLAS Leadership Award, provides a $1,000 check to the recipient annually. This year, Horace Mann also served as an Official Convention Sponsor of the 2026 CLAS Convention, further reflecting the company’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding outstanding leaders in education. Horace Mann representative Yahrasiel Colbert proudly presented the $1,000 check to Dr. Justin Hefner, honoring his exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing education in Alabama. Horace Mann’s continued sponsorship of this award highlights the company’s dedication to celebrating and supporting educators who make a significant impact in their schools and communities.

Nominees for this award were:

• Jasmine Green, Student Welfare and Social Services Coordinator, Huntsville City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS).
• Willie Moore, Executive Principal, Athens High School, Athens City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).
• Stephanie Dillard, Child Nutrition Director, Enterprise City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND).
• Dell Goodwin, Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators, nominated by the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA).
• April McCutcheon, CTE Administrator, Madison County Career Tech Center, nominated by the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP).
• Sheneta Smith, Principal, Howell-Graves Preschool, Muscle Shoals City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA).
• Bruce Prescott, Director of Special Education, Tuscaloosa City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE).
• Todd Freeman, Superintendent, Vestavia Hills City Schools, nominated by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA).