Awards Directory
Recognize Excellence in Special Education
Every year, dozens of education professionals are recognized for their work supporting individuals with disabilities. The database below links to many of these opportunities for you to nominate yourself or a colleague.
DADD Para-Educator of the Year
This award recognizes exceptional paraprofessionals working in some capacity with students who have autism, intellectual disability, or other developmental disabilities.
Racial Justice Grant
The Council for Exceptional Children’s Racial Justice Grant encourages and supports work focused on addressing the issues related to the ongoing racial disparities in educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes for individuals with disabilities from minoritized racial groups. Grants up to $1,000 are awarded to CEC members for initiatives engaging practitioners, children/youth, families, or other stakeholders in support of students with disabilities from minoritized racial groups
Dr. Deborah Ziegler DISES Distinguished International Leadership Award
Dr. Deborah Ziegler made extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in her leadership and advocacy work to promote inclusive education for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the world. Dr. Ziegler demonstrated strong leadership skills in her roles as Assistant Executive Director and Director of Policy, Advocacy and Global Services at the Council of Exceptional Children for more than 20 years.
The Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) seeks nominations for a DISES member whose visionary international leadership, advocacy, and professional service exemplifies the DISES mission.
DISES Distinguished International Teacher Award
The Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) seeks nominations for an award to recognize a professional who has made a significant educational impact as an International Educator. The award recognizes an individual whose service has positively impacted the lives of students with disabilities while exemplifying leadership, determination, and perseverance. Recognized work/service may include incorporation of virtual instruction to increase access for students with disabilities, creation of program/activities to increase engagement, and/or other innovative strategies to reach students and/or families of children with disabilities. This award is open to all DISES members who serve children and youth with disabilities.
Prestigious Landis M. Stetler Memorial Award
Prestigious Landis M. Stetler Memorial Award is our most prestigious award, designated for individuals who have provided leadership to the organization at the local, state, or national/international levels over an extensive period of time. The nominee’s achievements and contributions have resulted in recognition of the Council’s commitment, leadership, and dedication to services for children and youth with exceptionalities, AND/OR have made continued and sustained contributions over their lifetime to the education of children and youth with exceptionalities.