Dr. Caroline Obert is the 2024 recipient of the CLAS Leadership Award sponsored by Horace Mann

Dr. Caroline Obert Honored with CLAS Leadership Award at 2024 CLAS Convention

ByAlyssa Godfrey

Award sponsored by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)  
and Horace Mann Companies 

Mobile, AL – June 11, 2024 – Dr. Caroline Obert, representing the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP), has been awarded the prestigious CLAS Leadership Award at the 2024 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. Obert was chosen from a group of eleven nominees, recognized for her exceptional leadership qualities, contributions to education, and dedication to the mission of CLAS. 

Dr. Obert serves as the Director of Instruction for Huntsville City Schools and is also the president of AAMSP, where she has led the affiliate to record growth, surpassing 500 members this year. Her career as an instructional leader at two outstanding middle schools has been marked by her unparalleled commitment to excel beyond the ordinary expectations of a typical school principal. Her passion for quality teaching and learning, along with her desire to create a challenging, safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for students and staff, distinguishes her as a remarkable school leader.  

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Obert is deeply involved in community service. She volunteers as an Irish step dancing instructor, coaches with the Madison Softball League, and contributes to the Special Olympics, American Heart Association, and Ronald McDonald House. Her dedication to both her professional responsibilities and community service earned her the title of Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year in 2021. 

“Dr. Caroline Obert exemplifies the true spirit of educational leadership. Her unwavering dedication to her students, staff, and community, combined with her remarkable ability to foster a supportive and innovative learning environment, makes her a standout leader in Alabama,” says CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “We are honored to present her with the CLAS Leadership Award, recognizing her significant contributions and tireless efforts in advancing education. Dr. Obert’s achievements inspire us all to strive for excellence in our educational endeavors.” 

Horace Mann, a long-time sponsor of the CLAS Leadership Award, provides a $1,000 check to the recipient annually. This generous contribution underscores Horace Mann’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding outstanding leaders in education. At the 2024 CLAS Convention, a representative from Horace Mann proudly presented the $1,000 check to Dr. Caroline Obert, honoring her 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: 

  • Amanda Hood, Director of Student Services, Mountain Brook City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS). 
  • Jeff Cole, Principal, Winston County High School, Winston County Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). 
  • Casey Partain, Child Nutrition Director, Marshall County Schools, nominated by the Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND). 
  • Dr. Melissa Shields, Assistant State Superintendent of Education, Alabama State Department of Education, nominated by the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum. 
  • Dr. Latanza Harrison, Chief Human Resources Officer, Alabaster City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA). 
  • Dr. Charles Gardner, Principal, Hokes Bluff Elementary School, Etowah County Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA). 
  • Dr. Mike Daria, Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools, nominated by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA). 
  • Courtney Utsey, Director of Special Education Services, Selma City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE). 
  • Lana Tew, Director of Special Education, Pelham City Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504). 
  • Chris McCullar, Director, Walker County Center of Technology, Walker County Schools, nominated by the Alabama Association of Career Technical Administrators (ACTA). 

About CLAS 

CLAS, the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, was founded in 1969 by a small group of school leaders to provide targeted professional learning and support for Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS now serves thirteen affiliates representing each type of public school/school system leader. CLAS provides the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support. CLAS is the premier professional learning provider for administrators in public schools in the state of Alabama. 

About Horace Mann 

Founded in 1945, Horace Mann offers affordable auto and home insurance, as well as retirement strategies and financial wellness education. Currently, Horace Mann serves approximately 1 million of the nation’s nearly 8 million K-12 teachers, administrators, and support staff. In addition, Horace Mann’s benefits and solutions are designed with educators and public sector workers in mind. 

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