Caroline Obert Receives CLAS Leadership Award

Dr. Caroline Obert, the Director of Instruction for Huntsville City Schools and the 2023-2024 president of the Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP), has been honored with the prestigious CLAS Leadership Award at the 2024 CLAS Convention. This award is given annually to a distinguished leader who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, significant contributions to education, and active involvement in CLAS and its affiliates. Dr. Obert was selected from a group of eleven nominees by a dedicated committee of current CLAS Board of Directors members.

Dr. Obert’s career as an instructional leader at two exceptional middle schools has been marked by her unwavering commitment to exceeding the expectations of a typical school principal. Her passion for quality teaching and learning, combined with her dedication to creating a challenging, safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for students and staff, sets her apart as a remarkable school leader. In 2021, she was named the Alabama Middle School Principal of the Year, further highlighting her exceptional contributions to education.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Obert is deeply involved in community service. She volunteers as an Irish step dancing instructor, coaches with the Madison Softball League, and contributes to the Special Olympics, American Heart Association, and Ronald McDonald House. Her extensive community involvement and dedication to both her professional and personal commitments make her a deserving recipient of the CLAS Leadership Award.

Horace Mann, a steadfast supporter of educational excellence, sponsors the CLAS Leadership Award and provides a $1,000 check to the winner each year. At the 2024 CLAS Convention, a representative from Horace Mann presented the check to Dr. Obert, recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to education.

Additional Leadership Award Nominees

Amanda Hood

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Jeff Cole

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Casey Partain

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND)

Dr. Melissa Shields

Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)

Dr. Latanza Harrison

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA)

Dr. Charles Gardner

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

Dr. Mike Daria

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

Courtney Utsey

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE)

Lana Tew

Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators (ALA504)

Chris McCullar

Alabama Association of Career/Technical Administators (ACTA)