Awards

CASE acknowledges the need to recognize outstanding individuals among the ranks of its members as well as individuals whose accomplishments have improved the field of special education. CASE has established awards for which nominations are annually solicited from the membership. In addition to the recognition of deserving individuals, CASE also recognizes the significant work within our CASE Units (subdivisions). An individual may be nominated for one of the CASE awards by a CASE Member or CASE Subdivision/Unit. Nominations for CASE awards are submitted electronically. Nominations for our CASE awards will open on January 1, 2024, and are due by June 1, 2024

Nominate a Deserving Individual for a CASE Award

Individual CASE Awards

The Harrie M. Selznick CASE Distinguished Service Award was instituted for recognition of individuals who have been career-long leaders in the administration of special education programs. The intended recipients of the award are individuals who have made significant contributions to the field over extended professional careers. The Harrie M. Selznick Award is the highest CASE honor, and it is accompanied by a cash award. The award is named after Harrie M. Selznick who served as the first Executive Director of the Council of Administrators of Special Education, a post he held from 1973-1983. He served CASE in many roles throughout his long, distinguished career. Under Dr. Selznick's leadership, CASE became incorporated as a professional education association and grew from 223 members to 3600, while its subdivisions grew from none to 28. It was under Dr. Selznick's leadership that CASE was first consulted at the federal level for input on national public policy in the U.S. The number of persons touched by Dr. Selznick's personal attention regarding professional assistance is beyond estimation. His influence is still felt today through a vibrant CASE organization, which would have made him proud. CASE honors him by naming the most prestigious award after him.  

The Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award was instituted for recognition of individuals making significant professional contributions to leadership behavior and field practice in the administration of programs for students with disabilities and/or who are gifted. 

The Outstanding Service to CASE Award was instituted for recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to the CASE organization. Recipients of this award should have a history of contributions to CASE, resulting in a positive and significant impact on the work of the organization. This award is not necessarily given on an annual basis. Nominees may or may not be current members of CASE.  

The Early Career Special Education Administrator Award will be presented to a Special Education Administrator who is a member of CASE and in her/his first five years administering special education programs and/or services, and who exemplifies CASE's ethics, values, and standards.  

CASE Awards Criteria
  Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award Early Career Special Education Administrator Award Outstanding Service to CASE Award
CASE Membership Yes Yes Yes Not Required
Years in Administration Intended recipients are career-long leaders in special education Minimum of 10 years of experience in special education administration Maximum of 5 years in special education administration No requirement that the recipient be a special education administrator
Letters of Recommendation 3 3 3 3
Resume Yes Yes Yes Yes
Presented Annually at the CASE conference Annually at the CASE conference Annually at the CASE conference Not necessarily presented every year
There is a required narrative regarding the nominee for The Harrie Selznick Distinguished Services Award, the Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award, and the Outstanding Service to CASE Award in the areas below:
  • Professional memberships and activities
  • Innovation and contributions to special education and/or CASE
  • Impact on administrator preparation and/or quality of services to exceptional children
  • Any additional education or community activities supporting the nominee
There is a required narrative regarding the nominee for the Early Career Special Education Administrator Award in the areas below:
  • Leadership consistent with CASE standards
  • Innovation and contributions to special education and/or the quality of services to students with exceptionalities
  • Additional education and community accomplishments and recognition

2023 Individual Award Winners 

2023 Individual Award Winners

Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award  - Dr. George Van Horn

Dr. George Van HornThe Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) announces Dr. George Van Horn as the 2023 Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award recipient.  Dr. George Van Horn recently retired as the Director of Special Services Cooperative in Columbus, Indiana. George completed both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at the University of Dayton. He received his Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University with a concentration in the area of school administration and special education. He has been a teacher of students with emotional disabilities for Montgomery County Public Schools in Dayton, Ohio. In addition, he has served as a principal, school superintendent, and director of special education in several public school districts in the Midwest. George has consulted with school districts throughout the country in the areas of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, Universal Design for Learning, and Inclusion. In addition to these important contributions to the field, George has been involved in Indiana CASE, Indiana CEC, and national CEC. He served on the ICASE Executive Board and a term as ICASE President. He was instrumental in reviving the Indiana CEC chapter and has served on the national CEC board of directors. Throughout his career, George has worked to make sure that the inclusion of students with disabilities has been a priority. He has always been a champion for students and their families. His dedication and years of service reflect his commitment to special education.

Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award - Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt

Dr. Sarah MittelstadtThe Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) announces Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt as the
2023 Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award recipient. Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt is the Executive Director for Southern Plains Education Cooperative, providing services to five rural school districts in Southern Minnesota. She is grateful to have an exceptional leadership team that has successfully supported new special education teachers amidst a significant workforce shortage, while simultaneously improving the quality of instruction and ensuring compliance with paperwork. Sarah is an active member of the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education. Sarah has participated on various committees, served as Area Representative, President, and chaired the Business Partner and Nominations Committees. Additionally, she developed and continues to support the Slice of Collaboration, a monthly virtual gathering of 100 to 150 special education leaders from across the state. Initiated during the peak of COVID, Slice continues to be a valuable opportunity for leaders to discuss the latest issues and priorities related to special education in Minnesota. Apart from her role at South Plains, Sarah also teaches courses for St. Cloud State University, furthering the education of aspiring school administrators. 

Early Career Special Education Administrator Award - Dr. Hayley Mullins

Dr. Hayley MullinsThe Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) announces Dr. Hayley Mullins as the 2023 Early Career Special Education Award recipient. Dr. Hayley Mullins of Winchester, Virginia didn’t initially plan on a career in special education, but while working with a student with a disability during her senior year of high school, she felt a distinct calling. She abandoned her college plans, track scholarship, and intended career path, and instead pursued the path of special education. After teaching in a special education low-incidence classroom, and then serving as an Autism and Behavior Specialist and Coordinator of Special Education, Dr. Mullins was appointed the Director of Special Education and Related Services for Winchester City Public Schools in September of 2021. She is described as an exceptional communicator, a creative and collaborative problem solver, and a capacity builder. Colleagues report that she is an exceptional leader with a clear vision for positive student outcomes. Dr. Mullins consistently does what is right for students with disabilities and their families. Hayley recently completed her doctorate in Education, Policy, Planning, and Leadership. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, is endorsed in Administration and Supervision PreK-12, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Liberty University and is a member of the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analysis Network and the Virginia Association for Behavior Analysts.


2023 Unit Awards

2023 Unit Award Winners
 
Exemplary: This award identifies the state subdivision that has demonstrated not only strong performance in the areas of awards, communication, legislative activity, membership recruitment, and professional development but also involvement in the promotion of CASE within its state subdivision. 
Congratulations to ICASE, Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education, the 2023 Exemplary Award winner! 
 
Awards: This award identifies the state subdivision that has sponsored a variety of award programs at the state, national, or international level.
 
Congratulations to G-CASE, Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education, the 2023 Awards Award winner! 
 
Communication: This award identifies the state subdivision that produces communication publications of great value to its membership.
 
Congratulations to PACASE, Pennsylvania Council of Administrators of Special Education, and IASA, Idaho Association of School Administrators, the 2023 Communication Award winners! 
 
Legislative: This award identifies the state subdivision that has conducted legislative activity on the state and/or national level under the direction of a legislative chair or committee. 
 
Congratulations to MAASE, Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education, and NHASEA, New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators, the 2023 Legislative Award winners! 
 
Membership: This award identifies the state subdivision that utilizes a variety of innovative strategies to promote and increase membership within the state organization. 
 
Congratulations to IAASE, Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education, the 2023 Membership Award winner! 
 
Professional Development: This award identifies the state subdivision where a chairperson and committee have developed and implemented a strategy to focus on professional development on the needs of the subdivision. 
 
Congratulations to MASE, Minnesota Administrators for Special Education, the 2023 Professional Development Award winner!