Awards & Recognitions
2026 AASPA Award Nominations
Nominate your colleagues and districts for international recognition through AASPA!
Nominations are due by May 1, 2026, and the winners will be announced at the 88th Annual Conference in Austin, TX in October 2026.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Personnel Administrator of the Year Award is given to an active member of AASPA who has at the local, state/province, national and/or international level, distinguished him/herself in personnel administration; is involved and a contributing participant in personnel functions and/or programs; whose contributions have had a significant impact on public education; is a skilled manager of change and is creative in his/her approach to personnel administration; approached personnel administrative work with a sense of humor and sense of respect for his/her fellow man. The nominee must be an active AASPA member and currently serving in a personnel administrative position. This award was developed in honor of Herb Salinger for his significant contributions as a former Executive Director of AASPA from 1991-1996.
IMPACTFUL PK-12 HR RESEARCH AWARD
The Impactful PK-12 HR Research Award is a competitive award granted to an AASPA member who is currently enrolled at an accredited university doing graduate level research in the area of Human Resource Management or Educational Leadership with a focus on Human Resources. Candidates are considered on the basis of how their research will impact the field of Human Resources. The winner will be expected to present his/her research at the next AASPA Annual Conference or as a Webinar. One year of AASPA membership will be awarded to the recipient of the Impactful PK-12 HR Research Award. This award is given in honor of Raymond E. Curry, who served as Executive Director of AASPA from 1986-1991. It recognizes his encouragement and contribution to AASPA.
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST/SUPPORT STAFF AWARD
The Human Resources Specialist/Support Staff Award is given to an individual whose contributions have had significant impact on the efficiency of the human resources office and to the field of human resources; who has at the local, state/province, national and/or international level distinguished him/herself through leadership service; and is a collaborative, contributing participant in personnel functions and/or programs. Active AASPA membership is not required. One recipient may be selected annually from each region. The nominee shall not serve in a managerial or supervisory capacity to be eligible for the award.
NEW MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AWARD
The New Member Engagement Award is given to an active member of AASPA who has less than 5 years of membership with AASPA. This individual has demonstrated involvement at the national level though new to the field and has distinguished him/herself in personnel administration through contributions which have had an impact on public education. Must be an active AASPA member and currently serving in a personnel position.
DISTRICT AWARDS
DISTRICT INNOVATION IN PK-12 HR AWARD
The District Innovation in PK-12 HR Award is open to all current AASPA members. This award recognizes those who demonstrate innovation and leadership in human resources based upon a theme annually determined by the Recognitions Committee. This award was developed in honor of C.S. Robinson, who served as president of AASPA from 1947-1948, and as executive secretary-treasurer from 1957-1970.
Themes will rotate in alignment with the pHCLE Standards.
2026 District Innovation in PK-12 HR Award Theme: "Talent Acquisition"
RECRUITMENT & RETENTION TRAILBLAZER AWARD
The Recruitment & Retention Trailblazer Award gives recognition to school districts making outstanding contributions through the implementation of innovative and comprehensive educator development programs primarily focused on strategies designed to increase the number of educators with limited representation in school districts. This award was named in honor of the late William L. Hunter who served as AASPA Region 2 Representative, and his work establishing recruitment efforts for educators with limited representation.
EXCELLENCE IN PK-12 HR COMMUNICATION AWARD
The Excellence in PK–12 HR Communication Award recognizes a school district’s personnel or human resources department that demonstrates exemplary use of communication—across digital and non-digital platforms—to inform, engage, and support current and prospective employees. This award honors HR teams that strategically align their messaging with district human capital goals; communicate with clarity, inclusivity, and transparency; and leverage multiple modalities. Submissions should showcase how communication efforts reflect ethical and equitable practices, strengthen district branding, and contribute to meaningful outcomes in accordance with the Human Capital Leaders in Education (HCLE) Standards. Documentation must lead directly to HR-led communication artifacts and demonstrate a cohesive, high-quality approach to PK–12 HR communication.
Application materials must be submitted online by May 1, 2026.
To contact the Recognitions Committee Chairperson:
Kimberly Schulte, AASPA Recognition Committee Chair, kschulte@torrington.org