Recognition

We like to recognize excellence in education leaders.

Leadership Awards

The New York State Superintendent of the Year program honors an exceptional superintendent from New York State. AASA's national Superintendent of the Year program pays tribute to the talent and vision of those who lead our nation's public schools.

Awards Recognizing Excellence

Distinguished Service Award

The Council recognizes a Retired Life Member who has shown exemplary commitment to public education after retiring as a superintendent. The Distinguished Service Award is The Council's highest honor and is presented annually at our Fall Leadership Summit.

Selections are made by our Distinguished Service Committee composed of current Council officers (with the word president in their title) and past presidents who are still active. 

Friend of the Council

The Friend of The Council Award was created in 1996 and is presented at our Winter Institute each year. Nominations are provided by members or Council staff and are due in January each year for inclusion in the selection process. The Distinguished Service Committee makes the final selection.

Appreciation Award

The Appreciation Award is given in recognition of an active members' efforts on behalf of The Council and its initiatives. Individuals are nominated by a colleague in the field of education, by an active member of The Council, or a Council staff member. Final selections are made by the Distinguished Service Committee and presented at our Winter Institute each year.

Final nominations are due in January for this award. 

AASA's 2023 National Superintendent of the Year

NYSCOSS announced Dr. Kevin McGowan as the 2023 New York State Superintendent of the Year at our 2022 Fall Leadership Summit in Saratoga Springs, NY on September 19th.

Congratulations to Kevin who was selected as AASA's 2023 National Superintendent of the Year at the National Conference on Education in San Antonio, TX on February 16th. NYSCOSS honored Kevin as the 2023 New York State Superintendent of the Year on March 6th at the Winter Institute in Albany, NY. 

See Kevin's acceptance remarks from the the National Conference on Education on February 16, 2023.

National Superintendent of the Year
and
NYS Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Kevin C. McGowan, Superintendent of Schools
Brighton Central School District

Scholarships

Supporting the development of educational leaders is important. We offer three different scholarships to support future leaders including:

You can learn more about each individual scholarship and how to apply by clicking on each link. Watch past award and scholarship ceremony videos below. 

Join The Council

Explore the benefits of membership by joining or becoming a partner.

Ask an expert

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Ask Deidre Hungerford, Associate Director for Business Development, how to apply or learn more about submission deadlines. 

Award and Scholarship Videos

Announcement - Joe Famularo Named as 2024 NYS Superintendent of the Year
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Run Time: 7:39 Min
Kevin McGowan's Remarks as 2023 NYS Superintendent of the Year
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Run Time: 2:54 Min
Kevin McGowan's Remarks as 2023 AASA National Superintendent of the Year
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Run Time: 2:54 Min