Dr. Preeti Nichani Named National Distinguished Principal

0:00It's March 11th in Birmingham. Let's get into the news. Dr. Priti Nakani, principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools Elementary, got a huge surprise on Tuesday. She was named a National Distinguished Principal, one of the top honors for elementary school leaders across the country. The announcement happened in the school gym, surrounded by excited students from both the elementary and middle schools, plus teachers, district, leaders, and community members. This award comes from the National Distinguished Principles program, which celebrates leaders who boost student success and strengthen their schools. Under Nakani's watch, the elementary school has racked up big wins, like being one of Alabama's top 50 for third grade reading growth back in. 2018. It also earned a perfect score of 100 on the state report card and became a state and national school of character in 2022. Nakani called it a team effort, saying it's really the award for the whole school, district, board, and community after her 24-year journey.

1:00There. Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Mike Daria praised her lasting impact on students and staff. The recognition highlights how strong leadership drives real results in education. It shows the power of community support in turning schools around. Nakani will represent Alabama at the national level, with a big reception in Washington, D.C. in October, 2026. She will also get honored at the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators fall conference in November. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Salih Pillow is a pillow with built-in headphones, lay back, press play, and disappear into what you are listening to. S-O-L-I, salihpillow.com