Do you know an outstanding school psychologist or educational leader who deserves recognition? The Arizona Association of School Psychologists is seeking nominations for our annual Professional Practice Awards. These awards recognize excellence, leadership, service, and dedication to Arizona’s students, schools, and communities. 

Nominations open August 1, 2026 and close September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM. 

Award Winners will be recognized on November 6, 2026, during the 58^th Annual AASP Conference.

To nominate a colleague, please complete the appropriate nomination form using the below links. As you prepare your nomination, please reference the award rating rubrics and the 2020 NASP Practice Model. Nominators are encouraged to submit a nomination statement and upload up to three supporting letters of recommendation in the same form.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is given to a practicing Arizona school psychologist who consistently performs at a superior level. Nominees must be school psychologists whose practice embodies the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) 2020 Practice Model and whose work reflects comprehensive service delivery across its domains of practice. The recipient demonstrates the following:

• Promotes and embodies the NASP 2020 Practice Model and the expanded role of school psychologists.

• Exemplifies advanced knowledge and skills in delivering evidence-based psychological services to all children.

• Demonstrates outstanding performance in their school, district, and community.

Submit your nomination here: School Psychologist of the Year Nomination Form

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is given to an Arizona educational administrator who demonstrates exceptional leadership at the school or district level and supports the work of school psychologists and recognizes the value of psychological services for all children. The recipient demonstrates the following:

• Supports the work of school psychologists in their school and/or district and values the psychological services provided to all children.

• Promotes implementation of the NASP 2020 Practice Model and supports the expanding role of school psychologists. 

• Advocates for the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral health of PK-12 students.

• Collaborates with families, community stakeholders, and educators locally and statewide. 

• Promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Demonstrates outstanding leadership in their school, district, and community.

Submit your nomination here: Administrator of the Year Nomination Form

KEITH PERKINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award honors an Arizona school psychologist whose career reflects consistent and outstanding service to students, parents, teachers, administrators, community agencies, and the profession of school psychology. Nominees should be nearing the conclusion of their professional careers and demonstrate outstanding achievement in their careers. Nominees must be current members in good standing with AASP. Criteria for selection include distinguished service in the following areas:

Service to Students

• Assesses educational and psychological strengths and needs of individuals and groups of children.

• Assists in solving problems through counselings.

• Collaborates with specialists to plan and implement individualized educational programs.

Service to Teachers

• Helps plan educational programs based on student strengths and needs.

• Supports the management of learning or adjustment difficulties that interfere with classroom success. 

• Provides guidance on applying psychological research and theory to classroom practice. 

Service to Administrators

• Facilitates educational planning through research and consultation.

• Assists in the design, preparation, and evaluation of funded educational programs.

• Provides in-service education for teachers and staff.

• Participates in program and service development and evaluation.

Service to Parents

• Provides parents with information about their child’s educational and psychological needs.

• Promotes collaboration between parents and schools.

• Expedites referrals to specialists and agencies when appropriate.

• Offers parent education on child development and school-related topics. 

Service to Community Agencies

• Identifies children with needs beyond school resources.

• Provides information to facilitate effective community services.

• Serves as a school representative to explain school goals, needs, and operations.

• Offers specialized educational programs and materials.

Service to the Profession

• Pursues continuous professional learning to promote human welfare.

• Advances school psychology through the application of psychological knowledge to school-based challenges. 

• Adheres to the Codes of Ethics of AASP, APA, and NASP.

• Actively participates in local, regional, state, and national professional organizations. Maintains membership in the Arizona Association of School Psychologists. 

Submit your nomination here: Keith Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award

If you have questions, please contact Ryan Rodriguez, Ed.D., NCSP, NCC Past President & Awards Chair, at Ryan.Rodriguez@aasp-az.org, or Cathy Herring, KCA, at Cathy.Herring@aasp-az.org, or by fax at 480-935-5270.