APPLICATION PROCESS 

Nominees for an award receive a link to the application form when the application cycle opens. You must secure three letters of recommendation and use the application to invite your recommenders to complete a letter of recommendation form on your behalf. You will be able to monitor this activity including who has been invited, who has accepted and is drafting a letter, when letters are completed, or if invitations are declined from within this tab. You are not, however, able to access the letters themselves.

An application cannot be submitted if it has any number other than three letters of recommendation. No extensions of time past the deadline are granted to applicants or recommenders. Please plan accordingly.

Nominees will be evaluated on the following:

Personal educational philosophy.
How they work to raise achievement for all students.
Innovative projects/programs.
Commitment to their community.
Unrealized goals for their schools or professional development; and
Positive impact on students and staff.

Each nominee must submit three letters of recommendation. Letters may come from current or former students, parents, community members, colleagues in a professional association not directly linked to the nominee’s school or district, or university or college professors. Letters should enhance the nominee’s application by illustrating specific examples of the principal’s skills and contributions, knowledge, or attributes emphasized in the application materials.

The link below provides helpful information on how to complete your application. Use it as a step-by-step guide.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The submission deadline is posted on the important information section of the website. 

SELECTION PROCESS
The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) reviews and verifies each applicant’s submission. Successful applicants' materials are forwarded to a State Selection Committee in January. Representatives of the Kohl Educational Foundation, CESAs and MPS, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, and state education-related associations serve on the State Selection Committee. The committee scores applications in late January. Applicants who are selected to receive a Leadership Award are contacted by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation in March.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE PUBLIC SCHOOL APPLICATION GUIDELINES