2025 Award Recipients Announced!
Date postedJuly 24, 2025
Each year, MASE provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding members and colleagues who are dedicated leaders and advocates for children and Minnesota education. We are pleased to announce this year’s award recipients!
Special Education Administrator of the Year Award
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.
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.
MASE New Special Education Leader Award
Tiffany Litman, Executive Director of the Area Special Education Cooperative (ASEC) | News Release
Presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
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.
Presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
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.
Distinguished Service Award
Diane McCarron, Director of Services for SpEd Forms | News Release
Presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
Recipients are selected based on a positive history and association with Minnesota public education, contribution to improving Minnesota’s public education, and reputation as a person who willingly “goes the extra mile”
Presented at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference
Recipients are selected based on a positive history and association with Minnesota public education, contribution to improving Minnesota’s public education, and reputation as a person who willingly “goes the extra mile”
Legacy Award
Cheryl Jonson | Executive Director, Goodhue County Education District
Presented at the MASE Fall Leadership Conference | New release distributed in the fall
The MASE Legacy Award recognizes member for his or her commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring leaders who reflect the MASE mission.
Presented at the MASE Fall Leadership Conference | New release distributed in the fall
The MASE Legacy Award recognizes member for his or her commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring leaders who reflect the MASE mission.