Suzanne Freeman

I became the first Superintendent of Trussville City Schools, a new school district, in November of 2004. We began by hosting community meetings to talk with citizens about their aspirations for their school system, about how students learn, and about how we could make learning more relevant. These conversations led to the development of our mission—designing engaging work that causes students to learn important content at high levels.

Our mission is important because we know that when students are deeply engaged in their work, this increases the likelihood that they will be able to remember and apply their learning.  This is why our teachers design lessons on difficult-to-teach and hard-to-learn concepts. We also want our students to be lifelong learners.  I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I value shared learning experiences with my colleagues. We believe that learning together is essential for continuous improvement.

I have served as a principal in the Auburn City Schools, where my school was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, and also as an assistant superintendent in this district. I then moved on to lead the Cullman City Schools as superintendent for four and a half years. 

I was honored to be named Alabama Superintendent of the Year in 2009, and I was one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year. I co-chair the A+ Education Partnership Council, and I am a member of the Superintendents’ Leadership Network with the Schlechty Group and a member of the Governor’s Commission on Teaching and Learning. 

I served for five years on the Southern Region Education Board’s (SREB) Health and Human Services Commission, where I researched the topic of school readiness and retention. I also served for three years as an executive officer of School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA), and I now serve on the SSA board in my role as president of District 5.  I am a member of the National Academy Foundation Steering Committee and am a graduate of Leadership Alabama (Class of 2005). 

I mentor new superintendents in Alabama and conduct presentations throughout the South East on topics such as staff development, student engagement, leadership, school finance, curriculum, instruction, leading change, and enhancing student learning through the use of technology.   I have taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Auburn University, Troy State University, and Samford University.

see a Case Study of Trussville City Schools - Meaningful Learning for Every Student