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 Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District SPDG Team for receiving the 2025 Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award! This prestigious honor recognizes their unwavering dedication to continuous improvement and student success.
In winter 2023, the district began a bold journey of transformation—reaching out to State Support Team Region 11 to refine their Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) and build stronger, more effective support systems. Despite initial challenges with state assessment outcomes, Amanda-Clearcreek proactively launched early literacy initiatives grounded in the science of reading, setting the foundation for deeper, systemic change.
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 Avery Eley from Marysville Exempted Village School District, who has been honored with the 2025 R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award from State Support Team Region 11! This prestigious award celebrates Avery’s exceptional extracurricular involvement and unwavering commitment to personal growth. From volleyball to concert choir, yearbook club, theatre stage crew, and her leadership as a student council representative, Avery goes above and beyond to make a difference in her school community.
Avery consistently exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a positive attitude, inspiring everyone around her. Her hard work and dedication truly set her apart, and this award is a testament to her remarkable impact.
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.
