Saraland Elementary’s Stan Stokley Honored as Alabama’s 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Saraland, Ala., March 6, 2025 – Dr. Stan Stokley, principal of Saraland Elementary School in the Saraland City School System, has been named Alabama’s 2025 NAESP National Distinguished Principal by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA). This prestigious recognition program is sponsored by Renaissance Learning.
Dr. Stokley has served as principal of Saraland Elementary since 2014, leading the school to national recognition, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School and a two-time National Title I Distinguished School. His leadership has fostered a culture of high expectations and academic excellence, with Saraland Elementary earning a 99/A on Alabama’s state report card and ranking among the top elementary schools in the state.
Dr. Stokley is known for his commitment to student achievement, faculty collaboration, and community engagement. His dedication to data-driven instruction, teacher development, and student motivation has resulted in sustained academic growth. Notably, his initiatives such as “Good Morning Saraland” during the COVID-19 pandemic and his personal outreach to every student during state testing season highlight his passion for education and student success.
“Dr. Stan Stokley exemplifies outstanding educational leadership,” said Dr. Vic Wilson, executive director of AAESA and CLAS. “His innovative approach to fostering academic achievement and community involvement sets a high standard for principals across Alabama. We are proud to honor him as this year’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal.”
“I cannot think of a more deserving principal for this award than Stan. His commitment to education extends beyond the students, teachers, and community of Saraland. During his tenure as President and Vice President of AAESA, Dr. Stokley has mentored and served as a role model for many new principals across our state,” said Hope Zeanah, assistant executive director of AAESA.
A panel of judges selected Dr. Stokley from three finalists for Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal award. He was presented with this honor during a surprise schoolwide ceremony at Saraland Elementary School on March 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
The Alabama NAESP National Distinguished Principal program is presented annually by AAESA. Each year, the recipient is awarded a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the NAESP National Distinguished Principal Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).
Dr. Stokley will also be recognized at the awards luncheon during the annual CLAS Convention on June 10, 2025, in Mobile, Ala., the largest gathering of school leaders in Alabama, as well as at the AAESA Fall Instructional Leadership Conference in November 2025.
For more information, please contact CLAS Director of Communications & Technology, Alyssa Godfrey, at alyssa@clasleaders.org or (800) 239-3616.
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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 Renaissance:
Renaissance is the sponsor of the Alabama NAESP National Distinguished Principal program. They are a global leader in assessment, reading, math, and early literacy solutions for pre-k-12 schools and districts.
About AAESA and CLAS:
The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators is a state chapter of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS is an umbrella association that serves thirteen affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators. CLAS is dedicated to providing 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.
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