Awards

I Can Do It
This award acknowledges the determination of a student to succeed. Students with disabilities are recognized for excelling in academics, art, athletics, community service, employment, self-advocacy, technology or independent life skills. Arizona awardee's may be eligible to apply for the International CEC "Yes I Can" Award.

Samuel Kirk Teacher of the Year
This award is for a teacher who has contributed significantly to the education of individuals with disabilities through direct student contact in instruction. The award honors Arizona educator Dr. Samuel A. Kirk, who is internationally recognized for his accomplishments in the field of special education, while sometimes being referred to as the “Father of Special Education”. The awardee may be eligible to apply for the International CEC "Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year" Award.

Special Educator Rising Star Award
This award recognizes a preK-12 teacher or specialized instructional support personnel who is in the first five years of their special education career who currently provides instruction to students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Outstanding Paraeducator Award
This award recognizes the essential role that paraeducators play in providing key support to teachers, aiding in student learning, and helping classrooms to be more inclusive. The award is intended to honor AZCEC paraeducator members who are currently involved in direct or related services to students with disabilities and provide exemplary service to students and special educators.

PIP Grant
Mini-grants are available to Promote Innovative Practices (PIP) which are designed to enhance the learning of students with disabilities and demonstrate best educational practices. Funds may be used for supplies, instructional aids, equipment or services for an individual or group. Funds cannot be used to pay for anything that normally would be paid for by the district, agency and/or family. Applications will be reviewed according to creativity, relationship to best educational practices, and appropriateness to the educational setting.

Scholarship
The Arizona CASE Scholarship was established as a means of encouraging individuals to choose careers in special education, especially in areas of need. This cash award will assist students in pursuing their postgraduate education.

Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes an individual who has made continued, sustained, and impactful contributions to the field of special education and positive outcomes to special education and children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Outstanding Leadership
This award is given to a person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in supporting special education and/or building inclusive school communities. It is intended for an individual who has demonstrated leadership qualities and who has made a significant contribution that has resulted in improved services and outcomes for students with disabilities.

Laura Ganoung
This award is given to a person who demonstrates innovation in special education and makes significant contributions to the field. The Laura Ganoung Award honors Ms. Laura Ganoung who started the first special education program in the state of Arizona in 1951. She was an innovator who was well ahead of her time and who made significant contributions to the field.

Early Career Special Education Administrator
This award will be presented to a special education administrator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in supporting special education and/or building inclusive school communities. It is intended for an individual who has demonstrated leadership qualities, has made a significant contribution that has resulted in improved services and outcomes for students with disabilities, and who exemplifies CASE's ethics, values, and standards.

Distinguished Service
This award is for any individual, group, organization, or business within the community which has contributed significantly to the advancement of individuals with disabilities in Arizona. The recipient of this award demonstrates exemplary leadership and commitment through promoting awareness, advocacy, and actions that improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The awardee serves as a good role model and positive influence who creates opportunities through education, recreation, employment, or community involvement to enhance self-determination and community participation.