Newton Superintendent of Schools Anna Nolin has received the 2024 Bobbie D’Alessandro Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.). The award was presented at the annual M.A.S.A. Women’s Educational Leadership Network conference on March 19.
Now in its 15th year, the Bobbie D’Alessandro Leadership Award is one of the top awards from the state association. The award “recognizes an educational leader who has modeled exemplary leadership and serves as a role model to others for her thoughtful and caring approach to leadership. The leader must also possess a laser focus on improved student achievement and a strong commitment to improving the culture of the entire school district.”
In response to the award, Dr. Nolin said, “This is an immense honor and I am humbled to receive this award. This is my second superintendency in which I am again the first woman superintendent in the school system. It is important during women’s history month, and every day, to acknowledge the unique challenges of women’s leadership, even in 2024. The challenges are even greater for our women colleagues of color. The modern day superintendency is a very difficult job and to be a female leader, head educator, and CEO in the education sector brings a whole set of additional barriers and perceptions deeply ingrained in our conception of effective leadership. I hope this award shines light on all women superintendents and their excellence.”
The award recognizes leaders for their contribution to the superintendent profession, active involvement in the Massachusetts Association of Superintendents, and proven ability to overcome certain leadership challenges. The award is named for Bobbie D’Alessandro, the former superintendent of the Cambridge Public Schools.
In a virtual presentation of the award, Bobbie D’Alessandro said of Dr. Nolin, “Anna possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a high functioning school system and has a strong track record of proven performance. She has excellent communication skills…[creates] a creative positive culture for schools…innovates without creating havoc, and has developed clear PK-12 curriculum standards with a clear path for diverse groups to have conversations about achievement…People trust her… She is the ultimate coalition builder…with a fighting spirit to do what is just and right.”
Dr. Nolin said that the theme of the Women’s Educational Leadership Network conference — Building Resilient Teams — is more important than ever. “Women groundbreakers who learn to build trusting teams are able to strengthen their leadership and in turn, serve children better.”