MCASE Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2024 MCASE Awards! Nominations must be submitted by Friday, February 23, 2024.
The Montana Council of Administrators of Special Education annually seeks nominations for the following awards. Please consider nominating a deserving candidate.
- Nomination Forms:
2023 Recipients
| MCASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education | Special Education Teacher | General Education Teacher |
| Taylor Salmi | Patricia Payne | Theresa Watts |
| Lori Ruffier Legacy Award | Early Career Special Education Administrator | |
| Mary Russell | Marcia Stolfus and Val Hafele |
2022 Recipients
| MCASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education | Special Education Teacher | General Education Teacher |
| Mary Meehan | Molly Zier-McLaughlin | Tawnya Hawkins |
| Lori Ruffier Legacy Award | CASE New Administrator | CASE Outstanding Administrator |
| not awarded | not awarded | not awarded |
2021 Recipients
MCASE gave three awards at the 2021 Montana Council for Exceptional Children Conference held virtually. The three awards are Distinguished Service Awards for a General Educator, a Special Education Teacher, and a Special Education Director.
| MCASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education | Special Education Teacher | General Education Teacher |
| Dan Laughlin | Monica Thuesen | Megan Stratton |
| Lori Ruffier Legacy Award | CASE New Administrator | CASE Outstanding Administrator |
| Tess Thomas | Sara Novak | Sara Cole |
2020 Recipients
MCASE gave three awards at the 2020 Montana Council for Exceptional Children Conference held in Helena. The three awards are Distinguished Service Awards for a General Educator, a Special Education Teacher and a Special Education Director.
| Special Education Director | Special Educator | General Educator |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Halberg | Jennifer Wasson | Emily Raymond |
Congratulations to Lori Ruffier - In appreciation of your dedication and determination in forming the Montana Schools Recruitment Project. Your work will impact future generations of special educators, the children they will serve and the districts that benefit from the recruitment of these individuals.
2019 Recipients
MCASE gave three awards at the 2019 Montana Council for Exceptional Children Conference held in Helena. The three awards are Distinguished Service Awards for a General Educator, a Special Education Teacher and a Special Education Director.
| Special Education Director | Special Educator | General Educator |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Rice - Lewistown | Val Damron - Glendive | Not awarded |