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Batten Award

The Batten Award, named in honor of Murray O. Batten, former Director of Special Education in the Michigan Department of Education, is awarded annually by the Michigan Association of Intermediate Special Education Administrators (MAISEA), a MAASE affiliate organization. Nominations of deserving candidates are received by the MAISEA president-elect. A review committee is selected by the president-elect to critique the nominations with emphasis on the characteristics exemplified by Mr. Batten; Leadership, Honesty, Integrity and Dedication. This prestigious award is presented annually at the December MAASE meeting. The Batten Award was first presented in 1984.

An Amazing Career. . .

Following graduation from Wayne State University, Mr. Batten began his career serving as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools. He then became a social worker in the psychological clinic and from there a teacher of emotionally disturbed children, all in the Detroit Public Schools.

He then moved to Lansing in 1960 where he joined the Michigan Department of Education as a consultant in special education. He was promoted to supervisor of federal assistance programs for persons with disabilities in 1971. In 1973, he became state director of special education, a position he held until 1981. Throughout his career, Mr. Batten was an outstanding leader in many state and national professional organizations. He was a recipient of the Marvin E. Beekman Award in 1982.

In His Honor. . .

Murray Batten had a reputation for being a kind, compassionate listener, who always sought the positive in those with whom he came in contact. After his untimely death in 1983, MAISEA decided to sponsor the Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award.

The Award. . .

This award is given to practicing special education administrators who emulate the qualities of honesty, integrity, trust, and compassion that were exemplified by Murray Batten throughout his lifetime.

This special award is dedicated at a special time of the year, which is most reflective of the ideals of this compassionate and caring man. The award will be presented at the MAISEA meeting scheduled closest to Christmas.

The recipients of the Murray O. Batten Award will receive a specially designed, solid gold, commemorative ring. The ring was chosen as a lasting reminder of the commitment to excellence exemplified by Murray Batten and the award recipients.

Nominations

Nominations for the Murray O. Batten Award are considered by the MAISEA Murray O. Batten Award Committee, which includes the MAISEA president-elect and past president, the previous year’s award recipient, a member of the Batten family, and three additional MAISEA members.

The nomination should include:

1. A nomination letter which specifically addresses the following four characteristics:
   • Leadership
   • Personal and Professional Ethics
   • Humanism and Caring
   • Accomplishments
2. Up to three letters of support attached to your letter of nomination. No additional letters of support will be considered.
3. A current resume or vita of the nominee.

2013 Batten Award Winner

Ann Walton

Position: Planner/Minitor District: Calhoun ISD 17111 G Drive North Marshall, MI 49068

About: This year’s Murray O. Batten award winner took classes from two universities within the state one being Western Michigan University. They started out as a Special Education classroom teacher and later administration. This year’s award recipient has experience in a variety of positions in education in local and intermediate school districts. Let’s hear from those who nominated this individual: "Continual leader for committees and sub-committees that are charged with keeping their ISD current and legally sound with requirements and best practice for students with special needs. This individual is a leader that stands strong during times of turmoil and resistance. This individual’s calmness is contagious as this individual continually drives forward in pursuit of what is right for children and the system that oversees compliance of those children. This individual’s willingness to go above and beyond for a co-worker in need is tremendous and appreciated. This individuals knowledge and ability to find answers is one of this individuals biggest assets and unique in such a legally complex and demanding position." Another individual says: This individual is knowledgeable and can answer your questions. If this individual doesn't know the answer this individual will find it out and get back to you. I was asked to train an ISD on an EIEP system I just asked if this individual might want to go with me. This individual did and made a huge impact on them in regards to the program. As well as being a help to me. This individual is easy to talk to and shows up for all of our meetings. This individual always has great ideas i.e. "well why don't we try this" and is a great problem solver. This individual walks away from our meetings with a list of things to do and by George this individual gets it done. This individual is still so passionate about special education that this person doesn't have the "I'm burned out" look. And the best thing about this individual is…THIS INDIVIDUAL LISTENS! Another testimonial says: "When attending MAASE meetings with the recipient, this individual is like a celebrity. Through this individuals years of service, people have recognized that this individual not only knows Special Education law, but is so willing to share this knowledge in a non-threatening and open, honest way. People from the U.P. to the state’s southern border request this individual presence to do presentations for other colleagues on laws, new interpretations to innovations of programming. The recipient's presence is calming in difficult situations, as this individual is an authority and an approachable wonderful coach, mentor and human being. From developing innovations for Special Education, sharing this individual expertise in presentations to troubleshooting issues in their Intermediate School District, The recipient is an essential person to all students with and without IEPs. This individual has been a mentor, friend and role model I have grown immensely by having the privilege of working with this individual. Our recipient is involved in MAASE and serves in many capacities. Our recipient provides both leadership and service to MAASE as well as in their region. The 2012-13 Murray O Batten award recipient has worked in the Starr Commonwealth schools, Schoolcraft schools and the Calhoun ISD. Please join me in congratulating Ann Walton, your 2012-13 Murray Batten award recipient.

Past Batten Award Winners