UNIT AWARDS

CASE proudly recognizes the outstanding dedication and achievements of our state units. We are honored to celebrate the exceptional work that each subdivision undertakes and are pleased to offer awards to those who go above and beyond in their commitment to excellence. Thank you for your hard work and contributions that inspire and advance our collective mission.

Exemplary Unit

This award identifies the State Unit that has not only demonstrated strong performance in the areas of Awards, Communication, Legislative, Membership, and Professional Development, but also demonstrates involvement in the promotion of CASE within its State Unit. There is a demonstrated pattern of support for CEC and CASE at the state and national levels. This designation reflects strong leadership development to have maximum influence in the field of Special Education.
2025 Exemplary Large Unit: Michigan
2025 Exemplary Small Unit: Idaho
 

Awards

This award identifies the State Unit that has sponsored a variety of award programs at the state, national, or international level recognizing the exceptional work and contribution of its members. The evidence of unique and innovative activity in the area of awards has led to the current recognition.
2025 Awards Large Unit: Illinois
2025 Awards Small Unit: Iowa
 

Communication

This award identifies the State Unit that produces communication publications of great value to its membership. There is a strong evidence of timely and valuable communication with its membership that is relevant to professional development, annual awards, and legislative advocacy.
2025 Communication: Missouri
 

Membership

This award identifies the State Unit that utilizes a variety of innovative strategies to promote and increase membership within the state organization. There is evidence that the chosen strategies have resulted in positive growth of the organization. 
2025 Membership Large Unit: Indiana
2025 Membership Small Unit: New Hampshire
 

Legislative

This award identified the State Unit that has conducted legislative activity on the state and/or national level under the direction of a legislative chair or committee. There is strong evidence of meeting with the Governor, State Superintendent, Legislators, and other key leadership to successfully impact relevant legislation for the field of special education. Additionally, there is evidence of partnership with other educational associations or groups to increase the impact of legislative efforts. 
2025 Legislative Large Unit: Virginia
2025 Legislative Small Unit: Vermont
 

Professional Development

This award identifies the State Unit where a chairperson or committee has developed and implemented a strategy to focus professional development on the needs of the unit. There is evidence of multiple professional development opportunities that have been delivered in a variety of presentation formats. There is further evidence of collaboration with other education partners to increase the impact of scope of the professional development efforts. 
2025 Professional Development: Minnesota
  
Historical Exemplary Award Winners
2025   Michigan (Large Unit)    2007   Illinois
2025   Idaho (Small Unit)    2006   Illinois
2024    Missouri (Large Unit)    2005   Illinois
2024    New Hampshire (Small Unit)    2004   Minnesota
2023   Indiana             2003   Illinois
2022   Indiana    2002   Minnesota
2021   Illinois    2001   Illinois
2020   Illinois    2000   Georgia
2019   Indiana    1999   Illinois
2018   Illinois    1998   Georgia
2017   Illinois    1997   Missouri
2016   Michigan    1996   Arizona
2015   Georgia    1995   Illinois
2014   Georgia    1994   Georgia
2013   Missouri    1993   Wisconsin
2012   Virginia    1992   New Jersey
2011   Illinois    1991   Illinois
2010   Kentucky      
2009   Illinois      
2008   Kentucky