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 Awards The 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 prestigious Harrie Selznick Distinguished Service Award, honoring her outstanding contributions to special education at the local, state, and national levels. A dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate, Cherie has built a career defined by collaboration, policy development, and capacity building. Cherie has been instrumental in advancing professional development. She has presented statewide, particularly on finance topics, and she encourages other leaders to step forward and share their expertise as well. Her facilitation of special education finance meetings and guidance for MASA's Great Start Cohort underscore her belief in bridging understand between superintendents and special education directors. Cheri's leadership also extends to legislative advocacy. As CASE's Policy and Legislative Chair, she co-presents with national experts on issues such as Title IX, school choice, and the role of the Department of Education. She leads the development of CASE position papers and briefs, ensuring members' voices are represented on critical issues. Locally, Cherie mentors new directors through MASE and fosters leadership capacity within her district. She has championed teacher mentoring, structured onboarding, and values-based leadership practices. Beyond her district, she partners with community initiatives like the Goodhue Coty Child and Family Collaborative and RiseUp, addressing student needs holistically. Since joining MASE leadership in 2008, Cherie has served in nearly every capacity. Her unwavering service reflects the very 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 representes 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 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. Nominee 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. Widely recognized as the nation's leading authority on special education law, his scholarship, teaching, and service have shaped the field for more than 40 years. Dr. Zirkel's academic background bridges education and law, with a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, a J.D., and an LL.M. He served as dean of Lehigh's College of Education and later as the lacocca Chair in Education. His prolific scholarship includes more than 1,700 publications, regularly cited in court decisions and known for making complex legal concepts accessible to educators, policymakers, and attorneys. His open-access repository, perryzierkel.com continues to provide practical tools such as primers, flowcharts, and updates for the field. Beyond writing, Dr. Zirkel has presented in all 50 states, co-directed the Lehigh Special Education Law Symposium for nearly two decades, and trained impartial hearing officers nationwide. His impartial, balanced perspective has made him a trusted guide in navigating IDEA, Section 504, and related statutes. His many honors include awards from AERA, CEC, NASP, and the Education Law Association. Through his groundbreaking research and practical resources, Dr. Zirkel has elevated both the scholarship and practice of special education law, leaving a lasting legacy of clarity, fairness, and improved outcomes for students with disabilities.
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)
A longtime leader in MAASE, Rachel has co-chaired the Finance & Legislation Committee since 2014, helping secure nearly half a billion dollars in additional special education funding for Michigan. She also contributes to Talent Together and OPTIMISE, initiatives addressing teacher shortages and retention. Through her humility, determination and student-first vision, Rachel Fuerer has become one of Michigan's most respected special education leaders.
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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