Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Elementary’s Dr. Preeti Nichani Honored as Alabama’s 2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Tuscaloosa, Ala., March 10, 2026 – Dr. Preeti Nichani, principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary in Tuscaloosa City Schools, has been named Alabama’s 2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA). This prestigious recognition program is sponsored by Bailey Education Group.
Dr. Nichani has served as principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary since 2017, where she has led the school with a strong focus on instructional excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning. Under her leadership, the school has continued its tradition of academic achievement while strengthening opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills in a diverse and collaborative learning environment.
Known for her commitment to instructional leadership and school culture, Dr. Nichani works closely with teachers to support effective classroom practices and data-driven decision-making that improves student outcomes. Her leadership emphasizes empowering educators, building meaningful relationships with families, and ensuring that every student has access to engaging and rigorous learning experiences.
A defining aspect of Dr. Nichani’s leadership is her commitment to developing the character and leadership capacity of every student. At Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools–Elementary, she prioritizes creating an environment where empathy, integrity, responsibility, and respect are intentionally taught and modeled. Through student leadership opportunities, collaborative learning experiences, and a strong focus on positive school culture, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and support one another’s success. These efforts help ensure that students leave the school not only academically prepared but also equipped with the character and confidence needed to succeed in school and in life.
“Dr. Preeti Nichani represents the very best of instructional leadership in Alabama,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and AAESA. “Her dedication to academic excellence, collaboration with teachers, and commitment to student success exemplify the qualities celebrated through the National Distinguished Principal program. We are proud to honor her achievements and have her represent Alabama at the national level.”
A panel of judges selected Dr. Nichani from three finalists for Alabama’s NAESP National Distinguished Principal award. Finalists included Dr. Melvin Love, principal of Oxmoor Valley Elementary School in Birmingham City Schools, and Ms. Sheneta Smith, principal of Howell Graves Preschool in Muscle Shoals City Schools.
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. Nichani will also be recognized at the awards ceremony during the annual CLAS Convention in Mobile, Alabama, the largest gathering of school leaders in the state, as well as at the AAESA Fall Instructional Leadership Conference in November.
For more information, please contact CLAS Director of Communications & Technology Alyssa Godfrey at alyssa@clasleaders.org or (800) 239-3616.
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 Departments 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 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.
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 clasleaders.org.
