MASE New Special Education Leader Award

MASE Award Nomination Form - CLick here!
Nominations are due December 20, 2023.
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.

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. The recipient receives a smaller plaque.
  3. A news release is distributed to pertinent media in the recipient's coverage area.
Recipient History
2023 Heidi Nistler
​2022 Dena Hagen
2021 Scott Masten
​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
2023 New Special Education Leader Award Recipient
Heidi Nistler, Director of Special Education, Eden Prairie Schools | News Release