Celebrating Educational Excellence: Kyle Pinckard Awarded 2024 Inspire Award

An impressive highlight in the realm of education was achieved recently when Kyle Pinckard, the principal of Boaz Middle School in Alabama, received the prestigious 2024 Inspire Award from Curriculum Associates. This accolade is a significant part of the company's annual Extraordinary Educators™ program, aimed at celebrating exemplary teachers and administrators across the United States.

Pinckard's selection as the award winner reflects his innovative and impactful leadership in implementing Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready program, which is designed to enhance students' learning experiences. His ability to forge strong relationships with school teams has enabled Boaz Middle School to reach new heights in educational achievement.

Emily McCann, Vice President of Educator Community at Curriculum Associates, commended Pinckard's dedication, stating, “Kyle's leadership and dedication to his students is extraordinary.” This recognition not only reflects his commitment to his role but also highlights his influence in creating an environment where students can thrive.

With a career spanning over seven years at Boaz Middle School and a total of ten years as a teacher prior to his principal position, Pinckard's journey in education has been marked by notable accomplishments. Since the implementation of the i-Ready program, the school has observed remarkable improvement in student outcomes; for instance, the school's score on the Alabama State Report Card increased from 69 in the 2017-2018 school year to 85 in 2021-2022. Such growth is a testament to the focus on improving Tier I instruction and emphasizing standards-based practices throughout the curriculum.

Pinckard has emphasized a data-driven approach to measuring student performance, noting that his students achieved an outstanding average growth of 200%, equivalent to two grade levels, in the past academic year. Such impressive results have not gone unnoticed, as communities rally around celebrating the efforts of both the students and faculty of Boaz Middle School.

Reflecting on the honor of receiving the Inspire Award, Pinckard stated, “I am honored to receive this award, as it speaks to the tremendous progress Boaz Middle School students have made through their hard work and dedication.” His gratitude extends toward the talented faculty and students he collaborates with, expressing eagerness about what future achievements lie ahead.

Before stepping into the role of principal, Pinckard's career path included serving as a high school social studies teacher and later as a Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, where his desire to impact education positively drove him to the principalship. His academic background boasts a B.A. and M.S. in Social Studies Education from Auburn University, along with an add-on administrative certification he earned in 2015.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC is dedicated to creating research-based educational materials and assessments that support varied student populations in their learning journeys. Their mission is rooted in providing the necessary tools for teachers and administrators to foster inclusive and effective learning environments.

Kyle Pinckard's recognition as the Inspire Award winner is not just a personal achievement, but a celebration of collaborative success that underscores the profound impact effective educational leadership can have on student achievement and community engagement. His story serves as an inspiring example for educators nationwide, reinforcing the notion that committed leadership can catalyze significant educational advancements.