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Award of Distinction

The annual award recognizes the outstanding service and leadership in the role of a local district public school special education director. The candidate of the award must be an approved Director of Special Education and must be employed (or functions) as such in the LEA; demonstrates qualities of service, leadership, vision and collaboration, is a leader of vision and has implemented innovative programming which contributes to the field of special education. Including in the decision are qualities regarding organizational involvement, volunteerism and years of service.

2012 Award of Distinction Winner

Dr. Michele Harmala

Position: Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Organizational Leadership District: Farmington Hills Public Schools 2456 Prado Vista Lane Howell, MI 48843

About: There can be no greater recognition than that which is afforded by one’s peers and that is what makes all MAASE Awards so very distinctive. The story behind today’s recipient is all about lifelong learning, service, leadership, and collaboration. Today’s recipient is a leader of vision and has implemented innovative programs that contribute to the field of special education. As a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, today’s recipient began their career as a Special Education Teacher in a classroom for students with cognitive disabilities where he or she participated with her school improvement team, chaired an EMI Curriculum Committee and volunteered with after school activities. While demonstrating leadership skills very early in their career, this individual quickly went on to work as a Work Study Coordinator while continuing involvement in chairing numerous committees and work groups including Community-Based Instruction. As a lifelong learner today’s recipient has earned Master and Specialist Degrees in Special Education Leadership and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Leadership and Policy Studies at Wayne State University. This individual’s intelligence, tenacity, and willingness to work hard in the face of obstacles caused him (or her) to continue to move up the ladder quickly with appointments as an Assistant Director of Student Services and as an ISD Regional Consultant for Developmental Disabilities. This individual currently serves all students as a guest lecturer at the University of Michigan, an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University, and as an Assistant professor at Madonna University. Today’s recipient is an outstanding advocate for children with disabilities. It is widely recognized that he (or she) has worked throughout their career to establish quality programs and services in all schools. Today’s recipient has also shown leadership in the development of new and innovative programs including partnerships with Title I and At-Risk Programs, RtI, This person’s Superintendent describes them as “an outstanding leader and someone who knows instinctively how to achieve consensus for what is best for kids.” According to this Superintendent this individual recently took on a large district-wide project to implement new laws for Teacher and Staff evaluations that involved over 100 staff members and union leadership. Because of their leadership the project far exceeded legal requirements and resulted in a system that will add tremendous value to their district for years to come. The Superintendent goes on to state that this individual is an amazing and highly skilled facilitator. The list goes on and on… Please join me in saluting this year’s recipient of the Award of Distinction-- the Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Organizational Leadership for Farmington Hills Public Schools…Michele Harmala.

Past Award of Distinction Winners