School Leader of the Year

School Leader of the Year honors Gradient Learning principals and assistant principals who rethink, reimagine, and rebuild education by working together with their communities.

It celebrates the school leaders in our communities that:

Foster a positive learning environment that empowers educators and staff to support their students

Enable teachers to guide students to become their best selves by building ways for teachers to deeply know each student

Enthusiastically lead the change in their communities by helping educators best serve students throughout their communities by helping educators best serve students throughout their school journey

The Gradient Learning School Leader for the Year Award is inspired by Norma Penny, who proudly served for 15 years as the Founding Principal of Carter Lomax Middle School, a Gradient Learning school in Pasadena, Texas.

Penny, who passed away unexpectedly in February 2021, embodied the characteristics of a school leader who led the change in education. Under Penny's leadership, the school was recognized with the State of Texas Five Star Distinction Award for three consecutive school years and received the inaugural Rise Award.

Do you know an exceptional school leader who is worthy of being recognized? Show your appreciation for a principal or assistant principal by nominating them for this award. We want to hear about those school leaders who are reimagining education and enabling teachers to guide students to become their best selves.

Nominations for the 2024 Gradient Learning School Leader of the Year Award will open in winter 2024.

We encourage you to nominate a school leader who fits the criteria. Anyone, including parents, community members, teachers, and other school staff, may submit a nomination. We also accept self-nominations.

For questions about the award or nomination process, please email info@gradientlearning.org.