Kathe Shelby Leadership Award
Named in honor of Kathe Shelby, former director of the Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children (2008-2011), the annual Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding special education leader in Ohio who demonstrates exceptional and effective skills in improving the quality of special education programming for Ohio's school children. Kathe epitomized what it meant to display initiative, influence, and respect toward children with special needs, including their parents, special and general education teachers, related services personnel, and school administrators. Kathe passed away in 2011, but recipients of the Leadership Award carry on the spirit and work of Kathe Shelby as they seek to honor her legacy.
2019 Kathe Shelby Leadership Award Recipient
Cindy Tinnel Convoy, Ohio
Intervention Specialist, Crestview Local Schools
“Mrs. Tinnel is in her 33rd year in public education. She has a strong foundational base as it relates to the academic standards, curricular needs, assessment and testing expectations, and scheduling needs relating to every student she has taught. She is the first one to fight for her students when necessary; she is also the first to maintain high academic expectations of her students as well. Mrs. Tinnel embraces the opportunity to serve as a leader, and her experiences assist her in being a great teacher and advocate for her students in her classroom.”