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.