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About Us
About Us
Since 1969, CLAS has focused on children by providing school administrators with the professional learning and resources needed to advance public education in Alabama.
CLAS History
History, mission, and organizational structure of CLAS
Executive Committee
The CLAS executive committee serves as officers on the CLAS Board of Directors
Board of Directors
These individuals serve as voting members on the CLAS Board of Directors
CLAS Staff
View the members of our staff
Affiliate Presidents
Leaders of CLAS affiliate organizations
CLAS Past Presidents
View the list of individuals who have served as CLAS president
CLAS Merchandise
Get the CLAS logo on a variety of items including shirts, hats, and more.
Contact Us
Submit a form and someone from our office will be in touch soon.
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Professional Learning
Professional Learning
CLAS and its affiliates provide numerous professional learning opportunities throughout the year.
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Affiliates
Affiliates
CLAS is an umbrella organization serving twelve different affiliate organizations.
AAESA
Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators
AASSP
Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
AAMSP
Alabama Association of Middle School Principals
AAPASS
Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services
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Business Partners
Business Partners
Our corporate partners and sponsors are vital to the success of our organization. Check out our partners when considering a vendor for a project, or if you are a partner, please consider being a part of our organization.
Sponsors
View organizations that go above and beyond in their support of CLAS, its affiliates, and its membership
Partnership Benefits
View benefits of being a CLAS partner
Partnership Directory
Looking for a vendor to help with an upcoming project, check our list of CLAS supporters first
Exhibit Opportunities
Showcase your products and services with CLAS and its affiliate organizations
Advertising
Check out our advertising opportunities which include a quarterly publication as well as banner ads
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Awards
Awards
CLAS and its affiliate organizations offer many different awards and recognition programs for current school administrators, students, schools, school systems, and programs.
Administrator Awards
Awards for individuals who already serve in an administrative capacity
Scholarships
Student scholarships offered by CLAS affiliates
Banner Schools/Schools of Distinction
Outstanding educational programs which serve as models across the state of Alabama
CLAS Leadership Award
Awarded to a CLAS member who exhibits outstanding leadership in their affiliate or at the state level.
Other Awards
Awards and recognition programs for entities other than schools, students, and administrators
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Membership
Membership
The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools was founded in 1969 by administrators and for administrators. We focus on high quality professional learning, networking, legal defense, advocacy, communication, and recognition for Alabama's school leaders.
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Communications
Communications
CLAS offers its members various communications to help them stay informed about educational matters including upcoming events, legislation, State Board of Education, CLAS news, affiliate news, and so much more.
CLAS Publications
Our quarterly CLAS School Leader magazine
The PrincipAL Truth Podcast
A podcast by Dr. Vic Wilson featuring school leadership themes
News
CLAS and affiliate news and press releases
Members-Only Communications
Friday Update, Main Idea Book Summary, State Board of Education Updates, Legislative Updates, Affiliate Newsletters -
Advocacy
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Calendar
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Mentoring
Communications
News
Middle School Principal of the Year Finalists Selected
Montgomery, Ala, November 7, 2023 - Three middle school principals have been selected as finalists for the Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year award. Craig Williams, principal of Booker T. Washington Middle School in Mobile County Schools; Chris Hanson, principal of Piedmont Middle School in Piedmont City Schools; and Keith York, principal of Opelika Middle School in Opelika City Schools, are the three finalists for the award.
The finalists were interviewed by a Principal of the Year selection committee at the 2023 AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference on November 7. One overall winner will be chosen as the Middle School Principal of the Year, which will be announced in January.
Each district’s selection was considered before the finalists for the Middle School Principal of the Year award were chosen. The district principals of the year were recognized at an awards ceremony at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference on November 7, 2023. The district principals of the year are:
| District 1 | Craig Williams, Booker T. Washington Middle, Mobile County |
| District 2 | Brad Barton, Coppinville Junior High, Enterprise City |
| District 4 | Keith York, Opelika Middle, Opelika City |
| District 5 | Tarria Walters, Green Acres Middle, Birmingham City |
| District 6 | Chris Hanson, Piedmont Middle, Piedmont City |
| District 7N | Dianna Ritter, Muscle Shoals Middle, Muscle Shoals City |
| District 7S | Lisa Wright, South Lamar School, Lamar County |
| District 8 | Bo Coln, Challenger Middle, Huntsville City |
The Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year Award is sponsored by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals and Horace Mann. AASSP is grateful to Horace Mann for their support and recognition of outstanding Alabama public school administrators.
(For more information, please contact Alyssa Godfrey, CLAS Director of Communications, at 334.265.3610 or at alyssa@clasleaders.org)
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About Horace Mann: Horace Mann was founded in 1945 to provide quality auto insurance for teachers. In addition to auto insurance, Horace Mann now offers a host of insurance and financial products for teachers and educators. www.horacemann.com
About AASSP: The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS is an umbrella association that serves thirteen different affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS provides the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support. For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org
Photos:
Photo L to R: Vic Wilson, AASSP Executive Director; Craig Williams, District 1 Finalist; Luke Wise, Horace Mann Representative; Chris Hanson, District 6 Finalist; Keith York, District 4 Finalist; Larry Haynes, Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Executive Secretary.