Who is eligible for the MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award?

Nominees must be a practicing administrator and a current member of MASE with a minimum of five years of administrative experience. They must have demonstrated a concern for students with disabilities and their families, and should be able to show active involvement in professional and community affairs.

How do I nominate someone for the MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award?

Individuals may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else. Nominations must be submitted on the official MASE award nomination form, available through the MASE office, and must be received by the stated nomination due date.

Special Ed Administrator of Year

Q: What is the MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award?

The MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award was established by the MASE Board of Directors in 1991 to honor one or more administrators from throughout Minnesota for excellence in special education leadership. The first awards were presented at the 1993 Spring Conference.

Q: When and where is the MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award presented?

The award is presented at the annual MASE/MASA Spring Conference. The recipient receives an individual plaque, and a news release is distributed to pertinent media in the recipient's coverage area.

Established by the MASE Board of Directors in 1991, the MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award honors administrators from throughout Minnesota for excellence in special education leadership. The first awards were presented at the 1993 Spring Conference.

Nomination Criteria

Who Qualifies for the Award?

Individuals may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.
Nominees must be a practicing administrator and a current member of MASE.
Nominees must have a minimum of five years of administrative experience.
Nominees must have demonstrated a concern for students with disabilities and their families.
Nominees should be able to demonstrate active involvement in professional and community affairs.
Nominations must be submitted on the official MASE award nomination form, available through the MASE office, by the stated nomination due date.

Selection Process

The MASE Nominating Committee serves as the selection committee and determines the selection process.

Award Presentation

The recipient receives an individual plaque at the MASE/MASA Spring Conference. A news release is distributed to media in the recipient's coverage area.

Most Recent Recipient

2025 — Michelle Cuka

Director of Student Support Services, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

The award recognizes a MASE member for excellence in special education leadership, demonstrated concern for students and families with disabilities, and active involvement in professional and community affairs.

Read the News Release →

Presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference

Recipient History

2025Michelle Cuka
2024Todd Travis
2023Sarah Mittelstadt
2022Cheryl Hall
2021Cheryl Johnson
2020Shannon Erickson
2019Scott Hare
2018Erin Toninato
2017Jill Skarvold
2016Elisabeth Lodge Rogers
2015Renae Ouillette
2014Melissa Schaller
2013Jacque Stein
2012Nan Records
2011Dave Thacker
2010Lori Fildes
2009Kim Gibbons
2008Denny Ulmer
2007Carla Nohr-Schulz
2006Nancy Johnson
2005Dan Sullivan
2004Mary Ruprecht
2003Barbara Troolin
2002Janine Dahms-Walker
2001Bob Fischer
2000Bill Naylor
1999Karen Filla
1998Don Schuld
1997Don Loe
1996Marcia Carthaus
1995Sharon Cox
1994Ardith Rotto
1993Dennis LaRoque
1992Keith Kromer