Three Alabama Principals Named Finalists for Alabama’s 2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Montgomery, Alabama – The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) and Bailey Education Group are proud to announce that three Alabama principals have been chosen as finalists for Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal.
The finalists are Dr. Melvin Love, principal of Oxmoor Valley Elementary School in Birmingham City Schools; Dr. Preeti Nichani, principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary in Tuscaloosa City Schools; and Ms. Sheneta Smith, principal of Howell Graves Preschool in Muscle Shoals City Schools.
A panel of judges will conduct a school visit with each finalist. Interviews with each finalist, teachers, parents, and community members are part of the overall judging process. After all site visits have concluded, the judges will meet to select Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal. A winner will be announced in spring 2026.
“Dr. Love, Dr. Nichani, and Ms. Smith exemplify the highest standards of instructional leadership in Alabama,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and AAESA. “Their focus on teaching and learning, their commitment to supporting teachers, and their unwavering dedication to student growth set them apart. Each of these leaders has cultivated a school culture where high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement drive success. We are proud to recognize their impact and celebrate the difference they make for children and communities across our state.”
The Alabama National Distinguished Principal program is the state-level recognition program of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal program. The Alabama program is sponsored by AAESA and Bailey Education Group.
About the NAESP National Distinguished Principal Award: Each year, NDPs represent Pre-K through grade 8 public schools from across the country as well as principals in U.S. private schools and those from the United States Department of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Public school elementary and middle-level principals are nominated by peers in their state, and final selections are made by committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees.
About AAESA: The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). AAESA’s mission is to serve as an advocate for children while striving to enhance effectiveness in the supervision and administration of elementary and middle schools.
About Bailey Education Group: Bailey Education Group is committed to partnering with all schools and districts to improve the lives of all children through customized PD and teacher coaching.
