Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award
The Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award is named in honor of Murray O. Batten, former Director of Special Education in the Michigan Department of Education. Candidates are selected with an emphasis on the characteristics exemplified by Mr. Batten; Leadership, Honesty, Integrity and Dedication. This prestigious award is presented annually at the February 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 ISD/ESA special education administrators who emulate the qualities of honesty, integrity, trust, and compassion that were exemplified by Murray Batten throughout his lifetime.
The award will be presented at the MAASE meeting scheduled in February.
Nominations
Nominations for the Murray O. Batten Award are considered by the MAASE Murray O. Batten Award Committee. This committee is formed annually and is chaired by the MAASE Board of Directors ISD/ESA Representative.
2026 Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award Winner
Candice Osika
Principal / Quality Assurance for Shiawassee RESD
It is truly a privilege to stand before you today as we recognize the recipient of the 2026 Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award.
Before we honor this outstanding individual, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the MAASE membership for continuing to nominate such deserving leaders from across our state. I also want to thank those who generously gave their time to review nominations. Your commitment to highlighting the incredible work happening in special education is what makes this organization so meaningful.
Each year, I am reminded how fortunate we are to be surrounded by professionals whose compassion, integrity, and perseverance make a lasting difference for students, families, and staff. The stories we read reflect long hours, courageous advocacy, and an unwavering belief that every student deserves opportunity, dignity, and belonging.
The Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award is named in honor of Murray O. Batten, former Director of Special Education at the Michigan Department of Education. Following graduation from Wayne State University, Mr. Batten began his career as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools. In 1973, he became the State Director of Special Education, a position he held until 1981. Throughout his career, he was recognized as an outstanding leader at both the state and national levels, receiving the Marvin E. Beekman Award in 1982. He was known as a kind, compassionate listener and a leader who always sought the good in others. After his untimely passing, MAASE established this award to recognize administrators who embody his qualities of honesty, integrity, trust, and compassion.
This award is presented to practicing ISD and ESA special education administrators who not only manage systems well, but who lead with heart.
Before we proceed with today’s announcement, we are fortunate to have last year’s award recipient, Chelsea Korzecki, with us to briefly reflect on how receiving this honor has shaped her professional journey. Her perspective highlights the deep meaning of this award and the lasting impact of Murray Batten’s legacy.
And now, we turn our attention to this year’s recipient.
For nearly two decades, this individual has demonstrated unwavering dedication to students with disabilities, their families, and the educators who serve them. Serving in both building leadership and countywide quality assurance roles, their influence stretches far beyond a single program or school. Their work impacts classrooms, staff, districts, and colleagues across the state.
Under their guidance, programs have flourished. They have cultivated cultures rooted in collaboration, trust, and continuous growth. Recognizing the importance of supporting new and early-career teachers, they established professional learning communities that strengthened instructional practice, built capacity, and improved the quality of IEP development for students.
They have designed and delivered meaningful professional development, led countywide trainings, and ensured that compliance efforts never lose sight of their true purpose — better outcomes for students.
Their leadership extends statewide through active involvement in MAASE. In a key leadership role within a statewide community of practice, this individual facilitates monthly meetings, plans a statewide conference, and creates opportunities for administrators to learn from one another, share solutions, and grow together. Their work has strengthened networks across Michigan and elevated supports for students with the most complex needs.
But what truly distinguishes this leader is not just what they accomplish — it is how they lead.
Honesty defines their approach. They communicate clearly and directly with staff, families, and colleagues. They celebrate strong ideas, yet are never hesitant to respectfully challenge assumptions or ask hard questions when it leads to better decisions for students. Their candor is thoughtful, supportive, and rooted in trust.
Integrity is equally evident. In a role that often requires difficult conversations and corrective action, this leader approaches every situation with fairness, professionalism, and objectivity. Even when circumstances are complex, they remain steady, ethical, and focused on doing what is right. That consistency has earned the deep respect of those they serve.
And then there is their dedication.
They are the kind of leader who shows up — not just during the workday, but whenever they are needed. Filling in for colleagues. Mentoring staff. Leading trainings. Supporting events. Creating opportunities that bring students and families together. They give their time freely and wholeheartedly.
One powerful example of this dedication is their commitment to organizing inclusive athletic opportunities that bring students with and without disabilities together as teammates. For years, they have volunteered evenings and weekends to ensure students experience belonging, celebration, and community. The impact of those efforts extends far beyond the court — building confidence, connection, and lifelong memories.
In both the big initiatives and the quiet, everyday moments, this leader consistently gives more than what is expected, driven by a deep belief in people and an unwavering commitment to special education.
Through every role they have held, they remain grounded in one simple belief: students deserve our very best.
Their leadership, honesty, integrity, and dedication reflect the very qualities Murray O. Batten championed throughout his life.
MAASE colleagues, it is my great honor to announce the recipient of the 2026 Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award:
Candice Osika, Principal and Quality Assurance Coordinator, Shiawassee Regional Education Service District.
Please join me in congratulating Candice.
2025 Chelsea Korzecki
2024 Darrin Adair
2023 Kirsten Myers
2021 Jeff Reinelt
2020 David Krantz
2019 Donna Jones
2017 Beth Alberti
2016 John Bretschneider
2015 Cherie Wager
2014 Eric Hoppstock
2013 Dawn Bentley
2012 Ann Walton
2011 Laurie Jefsen
2010 Janis Weckstein
2009 Randy Schantz
2008 Sharon Melko
2007 Pamela Zandt
2006 Diane Heinzelman
2005 Greg LaMore
2004 Laurie VanderPloeg
2003 Scott Hubble
2002 Wayne Buletza
2001 Mike Contat
1999 Ruggero Dozzi
1998 Jeff Siegel
1995 George Barnes
1994 Fred Chappell
1993 Jay Leach
1992 Harry Grether
1991 Marge Joslin
1990 Tom Howard
1989 Jerry Reimann
1988 Ed Birch
1987 Gene Thurber
1986 Annlee Decent
1985 Richard Baldwin
1984 John Mader