Special Education Award Nominations
Interested in nominating an outstanding educator, student, or parent? Learn more about the awards, nominations, and winners from last year below. Click the title of the award to open the application
Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
The Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award is given to an educator or team from each of the 16 State Support Teams in Ohio who have made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities. This award is given in honor of the late Franklin B Walter, Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1977 until 1991, a post held longer than any other state superintendent in Ohio’s history. With over 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Walter’s leadership is evident in many of Ohio’s quality educational initiatives and programs. Among these is the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children with disabilities.
We are proud to celebrate the Buckeye United School District (BUSD) "Dream Team" - Dr. Michael Jackson, Dr. Gene Smith, Dr. Christine Kohler, Matthew Grube, and Akeyla Ragland for receiving the 2026 Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award! The Dream Team has demonstrated exceptional leadership in improving outcomes for students, particularly those with disabilities and other at-risk populations. Through a strong focus on individualized instruction, data-driven practices, and expanded pathways such as RiseUp, the team has significantly increased graduation outcomes, with total graduates more than doubling in recent years and diploma attainment seeing similarly substantial growth. Students receiving special education services continue to earn diplomas and GEDs at high rates, supported by targeted interventions and meaningful transition programming that builds skills in education, employment, and independent living. By embedding career readiness and essential life skills into daily instruction and expanding access to career and technical education opportunities, the team has created lasting pathways for student success and serves as a model of excellence in correctional education.
The R. A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award for a Student is presented to one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions. This award was established 25 years ago by the Ohio Department of Education in honor of the late Dr. Raymond A. Horn, Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Emeritus. This prestigious award recognizes students’ remarkable performance. Acknowledged as a national leader in the field of special education, Dr. Horn devoted more than 60 years of service to improving the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities. Dr. Horn left behind a legacy and a challenge to ensure that every student with a disability is given the respect and the opportunities to which they are entitled.
We are thrilled to recognize Yadira Becerril from Columbus City Schools who has been honored with the 2026 R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award from State Support Team Region 11! Yadira exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to her school community. As an active member of student council, she contributes thoughtful ideas and collaborates with peers to enhance school culture, most notably by leading the planning and execution of the school’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Celebration—an event that fostered inclusivity and left a lasting impact. A member of the National Honor Society, Yadira demonstrates strong academic achievement alongside outstanding character and service. Despite facing learning challenges, she consistently shows determination, effectively uses supports, and advocates for her needs while maintaining high academic standards. Through her leadership and dedication, Yadira has helped create a more welcoming and representative environment where all students feel valued and connected.
The Margaret M. Burley Outstanding Parent Award is named in honor of Margaret Burley, Executive Director Emeritus of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD). Margaret expanded the organization from five parent and professional organizations to an over $2.5 million budget working out of her home with no money for the phone bill or staff to assist her. Tom, her son, is the youngest of four children who has multiple disabilities from Congenital Rubella Syndrome. This award was established in 2018 by the OCECD Executive Committee. The nominations will go to the OCECD Executive Committee for their review and final recipient chosen. Individuals who are a parent of a child with disabilities in Ohio and who have demonstrated some or all of these preferred characteristics are eligible.
Join us as we celebrate Alayna Haynam as the recipient of the 2025 Margaret M. Burley Outstanding Parent Award!
Alayna is a true superstar —her dedication, advocacy, and leadership shine bright in everything she does. As the amazing Board President of the The Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities, she’s been a champion for kids with disabilities—fighting for top-notch education and inclusive support within the Marysville Exempted Village School District.
But she doesn’t stop there! Alayna’s impact reaches far and wide —serving on committees and boards, lifting up voices, and making real change . Her work with the Koolen-de Vries Syndrome (KdVS) Foundation is nothing short of inspiring . From raising awareness and organizing global conferences to funding critical research —Alayna is a true force of love, hope, and action.
