The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) has announced the nominees for the 2024 Excellence Awards, and Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education in Calais, Maine, has been nominated as one of the eight nominees from the entire country, for the Excellence in Small School District Leadership award.
Dr. Namin's nomination recognizes his outstanding leadership and commitment to providing high-quality, culturally responsive education to Native American students from the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Maliseet (Wabanaki) tribes in Maine. Under his guidance, Maine Indian Education has made significant strides in incorporating Native American history, culture, and languages into their curricula, ensuring that students maintain a strong connection to their heritage while receiving a comprehensive education.
"I am deeply honored to be nominated for this prestigious award," said Dr. Namin. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Maine Indian Education, as well as the support and collaboration of the Maine Indian Education School Committees, and the tribal communities we serve."
Dr. Namin brings over 20 years of experience as an education leader and 15 years as a superintendent to his role at Maine Indian Education. His extensive background includes serving as the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at Cambridge Public Schools, and Chief Academic Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
He has a Ph.D. in Math and Science Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology; a Certificate of Advanced Studies in 3D Geometric Modeling from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Leadership and Educational Administration, MEd, and BS in Chemistry and Mathematics from Worcester State University, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Dr. Namin completed his Post-Doctoral Studies in Leadership and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education and was named the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Fellow in 2019. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of education. He is a member of The National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) Hall of Fame.
He is the only alumni with the distinction of both Induction to Worcester State College Athletic Hall of Fame and the recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Education Alumni Award. A former Professional Soccer Player who played for Boston and was drafted by Dallas at the MSL. He was named the New England Coach of the Year in NCAA Division I, while coaching at Holy Cross College.
The NASS Excellence Awards recognize outstanding superintendents across the United States for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success. The Excellence in Small School District Leadership award specifically honors superintendents who have made significant contributions to the advancement of education in small school districts.
The winners of the 2024 NASS Excellence Awards will be announced at the organization's annual conference in the fall. For more information about Maine Indian Education and Dr. Reza Namin's nomination, please visit https://www.nass.us/2024-nominees