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 recognizing 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. Nominations for CASE awards are submitted electronically. Nominations for our CASE awards are due by June 1, 2026.
Individual CASE AwardsThe Harrie M. Selznick CASE Distinguished Service Award was instituted to recognize 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, accompanied by a cash award. The award is named after Harrie M. Selznick, 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. Under Dr. Selznick's leadership, 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 2025 Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award winner, Cherie Johnson (MN) Cherie Johnson (pictured) is the 2025 recipient of CASE’s Harrie Selznick Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to special education at the local, state, and national levels. A dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate, Cherie’s career reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, policy development, and building leadership capacity. She has advanced statewide professional development—particularly in special education finance—while encouraging emerging leaders to share their expertise. Her facilitation of finance meetings and support of MASA’s Great Start Cohort highlight her ability to connect superintendents and special education directors. As CASE’s Policy and Legislative Chair, Cherie co-presents with national experts on major policy issues and leads the development of CASE position papers and briefs. She also mentors new directors through MASE and strengthens leadership within her district through structured onboarding, teacher mentoring, and values-based practices. Her community partnerships, including work with the Goodhue County Child and Family Collaborative and RiseUp, further demonstrate her holistic approach to student support. Cherie’s longstanding service—spanning nearly every leadership role within MASE—embodies the spirit of the Harrie Selznick Distinguished Service Award. The Dr. Mary Lynn Boscardin Special Education Research Award recognizes outstanding research in special education leadership and administration by a CASE member. A panel representing the Journal of Special Education Leadership and the CASE Research Committee reviews submissions and selects recipients, who may include practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. The award includes a monetary honorarium. Nominees are evaluated on how their work advances the mission of CASE and contributes to the field of special education leadership. Consideration is given to rigorous methodology, innovative approaches, broad impact on policy and practice, and sustained contributions to the profession. This award is named in honor of Dr. Mary Lynn Boscardin for her exceptional, lifelong contributions to special education leadership, her commitment to equity, and her national influence on policy and practice. Her seminal work—including co-authoring the Handbook of Leadership and Administration for Special Education, whose proceeds funded CASE’s original research award—has guided and inspired generations of leaders. Dr. Boscardin’s service includes her tenure as CASE President (2014–2016), more than 25 years as Editor of the Journal of Special Education Leadership, and her presidency of CEC (2018–2019). She is also a member of the prestigious Elizabeth Farrell Society Honor Roll. Nominees may or may not be current members of CASE.
The 2025 Dr. Mary Lynn Boscardin Excellence in Special Education Research Award winner, Dr. Perry Zirkel (PA)
Dr. Perry A. Zirkel (pictured), University Professor Emeritus of Education and Law at Lehigh University, is the inaugural recipient of the CASE Excellence in Special Education Research Award. Recognized as a leading authority on special education law, he has shaped the field for over 40 years through scholarship, teaching, and service. With a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, a J.D., and an LL.M., Dr. Zirkel served as dean of Lehigh’s College of Education and as the Iacocca Chair in Education. He has authored over 1,700 publications, frequently cited in court decisions, and provides practical resources via his open-access repository, perryzirkel.com. Dr. Zirkel has presented in all 50 states, co-directed the Lehigh Special Education Law Symposium, and trained impartial hearing officers nationwide. His work on IDEA, Section 504, and related statutes has made complex legal concepts accessible to educators, policymakers, and attorneys. Honored by AERA, CEC, NASP, and the Education Law Association, Dr. Zirkel’s research and guidance have left a lasting impact on both the scholarship and practice of special education law. The Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award was instituted to recognize individuals who make significant professional contributions to leadership behavior and field practice in administering programs for students with disabilities and/or who are gifted. The 2025 Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award winner, Rachel Fuerer (MI)
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.
The 2025 Early Career Special Education Administrator Award winner, Lynn Freeman (GA)
Lynn Freeman (pictured), recipient of the 2025 CASE Outstanding Early Career Administrator Award, has quickly emerged as a transformative leader in special education. In Pulaski County, she has strengthened assessments, improved IEP quality, expanded access to accommodations, and fostered a culture of high expectations for all students. Her leadership is widely recognized by principals for its strong impact on student outcomes and school climate. Lynn prioritizes student empowerment—expanding the ASPIRE Ambassadors Program, launching a work-based learning initiative to support transition outcomes, and promoting inclusive opportunities across school and community activities. Her focus on least restrictive environments and reducing suspensions has helped the district meet or exceed state targets. Active in Georgia-CASE, GaDOE initiatives, and statewide leadership efforts, Lynn is also a respected presenter and advocate. Her innovation, passion, and student-centered vision embody exemplary early career leadership. The Outstanding Service to CASE Award was instituted to recognize individuals who contributed significantly to the organization. Recipients should have a history of contributions to CASE that resulted in a positive and significant impact on the organization's work. This award is not necessarily given on an annual basis. Nominees may or may not be current members of CASE.
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