MASE New Special Education Leader Award
MASE is committed to mentoring, encouraging and recognizing new leaders in the field of special education. This award is given annually to a new leader who exhibits the leadership excellence required to be effective in challenging times. These skills include: a willingness to risk, an ability to collaborate, skills in listening and communicating, and a broad understanding of the educational system. Further, this award is given to a new leader who has demonstrated passion and commitment to the MASE mission of shaping policies and practices which impact the quality of education for students with disabilities.

Recognition ceremony during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference.

2020 Award Recipient
The Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE) has named Nicole Woodward, Director of Special Education of the St. Croix River Education District, the recipient of the 2020 New Special Education Leader Award. Woodward received this award for her commitment to students with disabilities and their families and her active involvement in professional and community affairs. She will be honored at a statewide recognition ceremony during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference, March 12-13, 2020, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park. Press Release

Nomination
  1. Nominations are made through a process determined by the MASE Nominating Committee.
  2. Candidates may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.
  3. Nominations must be made in writing by completing the nomination materials, and must be received by the nomination due date.
  4. Nominee must demonstrate the attributes of leadership and involvement in MASE and other educational organizations.
  5. Nominee must be a MASE active or associate member.
  6. Nominee must have five years or less experience as a director of record or as a special education administrator.
  7. Nominees who have five or more years of experience as a special education administrator but are new to the role of director of record, also may be nominated within their first five years of that role.
  8. Nominations may be accompanied by a maximum of three letters of support.

Selection
  1. The Nominations Committee reviews the nomination form, and any letters of support.   
  2. The recipient is selected by February 1.
  3. The recipient is notified prior to the MASE Spring Conference.

Award Presentation
  1. The award is presented annually at the MASE annual Spring Conference.
  2. A large plaque listing each winner is displayed permanently in the MASE President’s Conference Room.
  3. The recipient receives a smaller plaque.
  4. A news release is distributed to pertinent media in the recipient's coverage area.
2021 Nomination Form
nominations are due January 11, 2021
Recipient History
2020 Nicole Woodward
​2019 Amy Ernst
2018 Jennifer McIntyre
2017 Tim Finn
2016 Dustin Hinckley
2015 Dr. Heidi Hahn
2014 Diane McCarron
2013 Mary Clarkson
2012 Tammy Stahl
2011 Reggie Engebritson