National Award Program

The Excellence in Executive Leadership Award acknowledges contributions through executive leadership in advancing regional educational service agency (ESA) programs at the regional, state, and national levels. Nominees have included past or present educational service agency executives and staff.

Criteria for this award:

1. Advancement of the goals and philosophies of educational service agencies.
2. Outstanding accomplishments and innovative practices.
3. Exercise of leadership.
4. Service to educational service agencies.

This award is in honor of Justus A. Prentice, BOCES Superintendent in New York, who began working with AASA to support an independent organization for ESAs. Portrayed as one of the original Founding Fathers of AESA, Justus A. Prentice was elected as the first President of AESA's Executive Council.

The Outstanding Individual Achievement Award recognizes individual contributions to advancing regional educational programs at the regional, state, or national levels. Nominees could include board members, state/federal legislators, local/state/national educators, and professional association staff.

Criteria for this award:

1. Advancement of the goals and philosophies of educational service agencies.
2. Outstanding accomplishments and innovative practices.
3. Exercise of leadership.
4. Service to educational service agency community.

This award is in honor of Dr. Walter G. Turner, who chaired the original committee that developed AESA, developing the vision, mission, and bylaws for this new organization, Dr. Turner was the first Executive Director for AESA.

The Outstanding Achievement in ESA Writing and Research Award acknowledges contributions of individuals or agencies that advance understanding of regional educational agencies through research, writing, or publications at the regional, state, and national levels. Nominees could include any individual whose work(s) meet(s) this Award's intent and add to the research base on educational service agencies.

Criteria for this award:

1. Advancement of the goals and philosophies of educational service agencies.
2. Scholarly nature of the work(s).
3. Impact of the research on educational service agencies.

This award is in honor of Dr. Robert E Stephens, a trusted friend of ESAs who wrote the original legislative language to create one of the first systems in the nation for Iowa's Area Education Agencies (AEAs) and whose primary research focused on ESAs and rural education.   Dr. Stephens supported the mission of AESA throughout his career. He authored several articles and books about ESAs, including The Educational Service Agency:  American Education's Invisible Partner.

The Exemplary Service and Innovation For Technological Advancement Award acknowledges an individual or agency for contributions to technological innovation and support to local districts and educational service agencies.

Criteria for this award:

1. Advancement of the goals and philosophies of educational service agencies.
2. Evidence that the agency/person has provided innovative technology support to constituent schools in instruction or business management that have caused positive improvement.
3. Evidence that the agency/person has effectively used technology to enhance the agency's operation and accountability.

In honor of Dr. Brian L. Talbott, AESA Executive Director for fourteen years. Dr. Talbott started several strategic initiatives, including the Executive In Residence and AESA Business Partnership programs. He was also a key leader on E-Rate through his service as Chair of the Universal Services Administrative Company Board of Directors (USAC). In addition, through his leadership, AESA became a leader in technology.

The Women of Inspiration in Leadership Award recognizes an extraordinary woman leader who inspires others and has earned the respect of her colleagues as an educational leader and role model. In addition, she empowers, supports, and mentors other women in leadership.

Criteria for this award:

1. Evidence that she is an ambassador for other women leaders.
2. Understands the importance of innovative ideas for education.
3. Proven record of growth, success, and influence in education.
4. She is known for her positive influence and competent abilities.

This award is in honor of Dr. Susan Leddick, Senior Advisor to AESA, who was a founding member of the AESA Foundation and always an innovator. She initiated the ESA Women's Leadership Network, Systems Design Thinking, and Business Strategy Framework specifically for ESAs. In addition, she was an executive coach and mentor to many educational leaders.