Goodhue County Education District Executive Director Cherie Johnson has been named the nation’s top special education administrator.
CASE -- the Council of Administrators in Special Education -- named her the 2021 Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award during the group’s national conference Nov. 11-12.
Johnson says “I still don't really believe that I was awarded the honor. Everyone is working so hard; everyone deserves this.”
She stressed in her impromptu acceptance speech that it’s the professional connections -- local, state and national levels -- that keep educators going.
The CASE award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to leadership, behavior and field practice in programs for students with disabilities and/or are gifted.
The Goodhue County Education District has distinct programs serving students in the member districts Cannon Falls, Goodhue, Kenyon-Wanamingo, Lake City, Red Wing, and Zumbrota-Mazeppa.
Johnson was named Minnesota’s Outstanding Special Education Administrator in 2020, and the state association forwarded her national nomination.
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