WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 9, 2024) – AASA, the School Superintendents Association, has selected Dr. Francisco Durán, board member and past president of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), as a recipient of the 2024 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award. Durán who currently serves as superintendent of Arlington Public Schools in Virginia, is one of two education leaders selected to receive the award.
Durán will be recognized at AASA’s conference being held February 15-17, 2024 in San Diego. The event is co-hosted by ALAS and the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE).
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized for my lifelong passion of being a champion for students of color, English learners, students with disabilities, LGBT youth, and increasing the number of women and people of color in leadership positions,” said Durán.
The Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award recognizes education leaders who are committed to the advancement and mentorship of women and minorities and/or addressing social justice issues among children and adults in school. Recipients exemplify a professional and personal commitment to diversifying the field of education and ensuring the best education for all students, according to AASA.
Durán has a diverse background in education, beginning as a special education paraprofessional, teaching Spanish, social studies, language arts and serving as an activities director, athletics director, assistant principal, principal, regional superintendent, and superintendent. Prior to leading Arlington Public Schools, Durán served as superintendent of Trenton Public Schools, and as the Chief Academic Officer of the Fairfax County Public Schools district, the 10th largest school district in the nation and one of the highest performing large school districts in the country.
As an educational leader, Durán has worked passionately to ensure that all students receive a quality education that will equip them with the skills needed for post-secondary education and employment in today’s ever-changing world. Influenced to become an educator as a result of being impacted by a teacher who saw the talents in him, he was inspired to always challenge others to do their best.
As the first in his family to graduate from college, Durán knows far too well that education is the key to opening the door for possibilities and he continues on in a quest of ensuring that more and more students, teachers, and staff have those same opportunities that were afforded to him.
“Dr. Durán is an incredible leader who goes above and beyond to advocate for others in both his role as superintendent, and as past president and board member of ALAS,” said ALAS Executive Director Dr. Maria Armstrong. “I have personally felt supported by his leadership and admire his tireless advocacy. We are thrilled to see him being recognized for his work by an association of his peers.”
Durán has earned several honors and accolades throughout his career, including a Certificate of Honor and Recognition for Educational Service from the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco, and a Distinguished Educator Award from Phi Delta Kappa International, University of Pennsylvania Chapter.
For more information about the award, visit: https://www.aasa.org/about-aasa/awards-grants/effie-h-jones-humanitarian-award
For more information about ALAS, visit www.alasedu.org
About the Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS)
The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [ALAS] is committed to providing a perspective to all aspiring school and district administrators including superintendents through programs, services, advocacy and networks rooted in Latino experiences and culture. Our Vision, Mission and Goals are to provide leadership at the national level that assures every school in America effectively serves the educational needs of all students with an emphasis on Latino and other historically marginalized youth through continuous professional learning, policy advocacy, and networking to share practices of promise for our students and the communities where we serve.
By the year 2026, Latino children will make up 30 percent of the school-age population. In the nation’s largest states – California, Texas, Florida, and New York- all of whom are ALAS State Affiliates– Latinos already have reached that level. It is of vital interest to invest in the education of every child, and the professional learning of all educators who serve Latino youth.
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