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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
CLAS Announces Leadership Development Partnership with Rhodes Branding
CLAS has partnered with Rhodes Branding to enhance leadership development among Alabama's school administrators, focusing on branding, marketing, and engagement. This collaboration will integrate Rhodes' expertise into CLAS's professional development programs to support school leaders in creating impactful school environments.
Chickasaw Elementary's Michele Hewlett Named Alabama's NAESP National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal
Michele Hewlett, Assistant Principal of Chickasaw Elementary School, has been named Alabama's National Outstanding Elementary Assistant Principal by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA). Recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to student success, Hewlett's innovative programs and positive impact on special education practices have made her a standout in educational excellence.
CLAS Names 2023 Schools of Distinction
CLAS has named 32 schools as CLAS Schools of Distinction. From these schools, one from each State Board of Education district will be chosen as a CLAS Banner School. Banner Schools will be announced at the CLAS Banner School Luncheon in May.
Decatur City School's Shannon McCaskey Honored as Alabama's 2024 NAESP National Distinguished Principal
Mrs. Shannon W. McCaskey, principal of Frances Nungester Elementary School, has been named Alabama's 2024 National Distinguished Principal by AAESA, in recognition of her transformative leadership and dedication. Her innovative programs have significantly elevated the educational experience and community involvement at the school.
Springville High School Principal Named Alabama's 2024 High School Principal of the Year
Dr. Gregory Deval Moore Jr., principal of Springville High School, has been named Alabama's 2024 High School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Moore's outstanding leadership, innovative programs, and his significant impact on the school's culture and academic achievements.
Opelika Middle School Principal Named 2024 AASSP Middle School Principal of the Year
Opelika Middle School Principal Mr. Alan Keith York has been honored as Alabama's 2024 Middle School Principal of the Year by AASSP. This prestigious award recognizes his outstanding leadership and innovative contributions to education at both the local and state levels.
Dothan Preparatory Academy Assistant Principal Charles Longshore Named 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year
Mr. Charles Longshore, Assistant Principal at Dothan Preparatory Academy, has been named the Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year by the AASSP for his transformative work in school culture and student engagement. He will represent Alabama in the national selection for the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year.
Crystal Aycock Named CLAS Secretary of the Year
Crystal Aycock has been named the CLAS Secretary of the Year, a recognition of her exceptional contributions at the Blount County Learning Center. The award is sponsored annually by Simbli by eBOARDSolutions.
District Nominees for Alabama's NAESP National Distinguished Principal Recognized
AAESA, CLAS, and Renaissance Learning proudly announce the selection of the district nominees for Alabama's NAESP National Distinguished Principal. These individuals were nominated for their outstanding contributions to educational leadership.
High School Principal of the Year Finalists Selected
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) has announced the finalists for the 2023-2024 High School Principal of the Year. These exceptional educational leaders will contend for the prestigious award, recognizing their outstanding leadership and contributions to secondary education in Alabama.
Middle School Principal of the Year Finalists Selected
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) has announced the finalists for the 2023-2024 Middle School Principals of the Year. These exceptional educational leaders will contend for the prestigious award, recognizing their outstanding leadership and contributions to middle school education in Alabama.
October Proclaimed National Principals Month in Alabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation designating October as Principals Month in the state, recognizing the vital role of principals in fostering quality education and their dedication in creating a positive learning environment. The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) submitted the proclamation on behalf of three principals' associations, emphasizing the significance of principals in shaping the academic landscape and inviting everyone to celebrate their contributions throughout the month.
Whitney Miller-Nichols Joins CLAS Staff as Director of Governmental Relations
Whitney Miller-Nichols has been selected to be the Director of Governmental Relations for CLAS at the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). With a background in education, policy development, and communications, Whitney brings extensive experience and a passion for advocating on behalf of Alabama's school leaders to her new role.
Piedmont Elementary School Principal Brigett Stewart Receives 2023 CLAS Leadership Award
Brigett Stewart, principal of Piedmont Elementary School, has received the 2023 CLAS Leadership Award from the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). Recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to education, Mrs. Stewart has made a significant impact in her local community and beyond, earning her the prestigious award and a $1,000 check sponsored by Horace Mann Companies.
Tuscaloosa City Schools Chosen for 2023 CLAS Little Red School House Award
Tuscaloosa City Schools has been awarded the prestigious CLAS Little Red School House Award for 2023 in recognition of their innovative summer learning programs, which aim to bridge educational gaps and provide engaging opportunities for students. The district's commitment to academic excellence and collaboration has positioned them as a model for other schools and systems in Alabama.
Dr. Heath Grimes Chosen as Recipient of the 2023 Dr. James A. Street Award
Dr. Heath Grimes, Superintendent of Russellville City Schools, has been honored with the prestigious Dr. James A. Street Award for 2023 by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). His exceptional contributions include advocating for English Learner (EL) funding, establishing a statewide organization for EL education, and crafting legislation for equitable accountability.
CLAS Recognizes Schools of Distinction and Announces Banner Schools
The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) recently honored 32 Schools of Distinction and named the 8 CLAS Banner Schools across eight State School Board Districts during an awards luncheon in Montgomery, Alabama. These schools were recognized for their exceptional programs and commitment to student success.
CLAS Banner School Awards Ceremony
Join the livestream on May 8 at Noon as we celebrate these amazing schools!
Florence Assistant Principal Melanie Harris Named Alabama’s 2023 NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal
Melanie Harris, assistant principal of Hibbett Intermediate School in the Florence City School System, has been named 2023 Alabama National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)
Crestline Elementary School Principal Karissa Lang Named Alabama’s 2023 NAESP National Distinguished Principal
The Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators has named Karissa Lang Alabama's 2023 NAESP National Distinguished Principal