Horace Mann recognizes outstanding leaders in public education

Nashville, Tenn. – Feb. 18, 2022 – Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE: HMN), sponsor of the 2022 AASA, The School Superintendents Association, National Women’s Leadership Consortium, is proud to recognize two women recently honored at the National Conference on Education. The award pays tribute to the talent, creativity and vision of outstanding women educational administrators in the nation’s public schools.

The honorees in each category were as follows:

• Superintendent Award: Sharon Contreras, superintendent, Guilford (N.C.) County Schools
• Central Office/Principal Award (for any female central-office or building-level leader): Susan Field, assistant superintendent for learning services, Academy District 20, Colorado Springs, Colo.

"AASA’s Women in School Leadership Awards recognize outstanding leaders in public education who are driving positive change in our school districts and motivating academic achievement for our students,” said Marita Zuraitis, president and CEO, Horace Mann. “These women have excelled while navigating a constantly changing landscape. At Horace Mann, we are committed to recognizing successful women leaders in education and assisting all educators to secure a strong financial future."

"One major component of working toward equitable solutions in our school systems is recognizing the outstanding leadership from women who are making positive impacts in the lives of our children,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA. “The Women in School Leadership Awards continue to serve as an example of a longstanding tradition at AASA—creating more pathways for talented women who wish to grow their careers."

The applicants were measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system
• Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication
• Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team
• Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues

Regarded as the most comprehensive professional learning and networking event for school superintendents and administrators, AASA’s National Conference on Education addresses the most critical issues affecting public education today, including leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, equity in education, social and emotional learning, personalizing education, technology and school safety.

About AASA, The School Superintendent Association

Founded in 1865, the AASA is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education.