Nominations are closed for the MCASE Awards
The Montana Council of Administrators of Special Education annually seeks nominations for the following awards. Please consider nominating a deserving candidate.
- MCASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award - This award honors a director who offers innovative and effective programs that have positively influenced the field of special education and have impacted services to exceptional children.
- MCASE Special Education Teacher Award - This award recognizes special education teachers as leaders whose work reflects their own high standards, their respect for the diverse characteristics, and the promotion of learning strengths of individuals with exceptionalities.
- MCASE General Education Teacher Award - This award recognizes general education teachers who embrace diversity in ALL learners including those with exceptionalities.
- Lori Ruffier Legacy Award - This award is given to a special education employee who was recruited through the Montana Schools Recruitment Project, accepted a position, and is employed.
- MCASE Nomination for CASE Awards
- Early Career Special Education Administrator Award Nomination - This award is given to a special education administrator in their first three years administering special education programs.
2025 Recipients
MCASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education | Special Education Teacher | General Education Teacher |
Brendan Brown | Randi Rains | MIkenna Williams |
2024 Recipients
MCASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education | Special Education Teacher | General Education Teacher |
Valerie Hafele | Amy Forsberg | Penny Huxtable |
| Early Career Special Education Administrator |
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| Maria Pace |
|
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 |
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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 |
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Chris Rice - Lewistown | Val Damron - Glendive | Not awarded |