Special Ed Administrator of Year
The MASE Board of Directors established this award for members in the spring of 1991, and the first awards were presented at the 1993 Spring Conference. The purpose of the award is to honor one or more administrators from throughout Minnesota for excellence in special education leadership.
Nomination
- Individuals may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.
- Nominees must be a practicing administrator and a member of MASE.
- Nominees must have a minimum of five years 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 made on the official MASE award nomination form, available through the MASE office.
- Nominations must be made by the nomination due date.
Selection
- The Nominating Committee serves as the selection committee.
- The Nominating Committee determines the selection process.
Award Presentation
The award is made at the MASE/MASA Spring Conference, where the recipient is presented with an individual plaque. A news release is distributed to pertinent media in the recipient's coverage area.
Michelle Cuka | Director of Student Support Services for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools | News Release
Presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
The MASE Special Education Administrator of the Year Award recognizes a MASE member for excellence in special education leadership. The recipient must be a practicing administrator and a member of MASE with a minimum of 5 years of administrative experience and must have demonstrated a concern for students/families with disabilities as well as active involvement in professional and community affairs.
Recipient History
- 2025 Michelle Cuka
- 2024 Todd Travis
- 2023 Sarah Mittelstadt
- 2022 Cheryl Hall
- 2021 Cheryl Johnson
- 2020 Shannon Erickson
- 2019 Scott Hare
- 2018 Erin Toninato
- 2017 Jill Skarvold
- 2016 Elisabeth Lodge Rogers
- 2015 Renae Ouillette
- 2014 Melissa Schaller
- 2013 Jacque Stein
- 2012 Nan Records
- 2011 Dave Thacker
- 2010 Lori Fildes
- 2009 Kim Gibbons
- 2008 Denny Ulmer
- 2007 Carla Nohr-Schulz
- 2006 Nancy Johnson
- 2005 Dan Sullivan
- 2004 Mary Ruprecht
- 2003 Barbara Troolin
- 2002 Janine Dahms-Walker
- 2001 Bob Fischer
- 2000 Bill Naylor
- 1999 Karen Filla
- 1998 Don Schuld
- 1997 Don Loe
- 1996 Marcia Carthaus
- 1995 Sharon Cox
- 1994 Ardith Rotto
- 1993 Dennis LaRoque
- 1992 Keith Kromer
