Principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Elementary Recognized As Alabama’s Best
The principal of a Tuscaloosa elementary school was recognized as among the very best during a surprise ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.
Dr. Preeti Nichani, the principal of Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools - Elementary, was named a National Distinguished Principal, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to elementary school leaders in the United States.
The award is given to just one elementary or middle school principal per state each year, and Nichani is the first chosen from a Tuscaloosa City School.
She was nominated by peers, one of three finalists in the state, and selected by the committee as Alabama's 2026 National Distinguished Principal.
"We believe all kids of the Tuscaloosa City Schools, all 11,000 students, deserve to have the best teachers, the best schools, the best everything," TCS Superintendent Mike Daria said. "We are once again affirmed that we have the best in Dr. Preeti Nichani."
She will attend a reception in Washington, D.C., and also be considered to become the National Distinguished Principal.
Nichani said she has spent about 25 years in the Tuscaloosa City Schools and has been principal at TMSE since 2017.
All the students and staff at the Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools cheered for Nichani as she walked into a surprise ceremony in her honor in the school gym.
In a short speech, Nichani credited her success to her parents in India, her husband and children, her mentors in education, and, of course, to the students of the Magnet Schools.
"It's your love that has made me better," she told the gathered students. "It is you guys and all my students in the past that have made me better. This is not my award that I'm receiving. This is your award. This belongs to Magnet Elementary, to Tuscaloosa City Schools, and this school board."
Under her leadership, TSME has been recognized as one of Alabama's Top 50 schools for third-grade reading growth, scored a perfect 100 on a state report card acessment and was named a National School of Character.
“Dr. Nichani has created an environment where students thrive and educators are empowered to do their best work,” Daria said. “Her leadership, vision and commitment to excellence make her truly deserving of this national recognition.”
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