AwardsCASE 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.
Individual CASE AwardsThe 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.
2023 Individual Award WinnersHarrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award - Dr. George Van Horn
Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award - Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt
Early Career Special Education Administrator Award - Dr. Hayley Mullins
2023 Unit AwardsExemplary: 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! |
The 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.
The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) announces Dr. Sarah Mittelstadt as the
The 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.