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.
2025 Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award Winner
Chelsea Korzecki
Principal of Millett Learning Center, Saginaw ISD
Following is an excerpt of the presentation by Britt Pionk, Board of Directors ISD/ESA Representative:
It’s a true privilege to stand before you today as we recognize the recipient of the 2025 Murray O’Batten Humanitarian Award. Before we honor this outstanding individual, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation to the MAASE membership for their commitment to nominating such a deserving candidate. I also want to offer my sincere thanks to those who volunteered their time to review the nominations. Your dedication to highlighting the exceptional contributions within our community is truly inspiring.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the opportunity to read about the incredible work being done by so many of you across the state, and I’ve been deeply moved. Every story is a testament to the tireless dedication and compassion that define our field. Whether advocating for students, families, and staff, or finding innovative ways to tackle the challenges we face, your collective efforts are making a real difference in the lives of many.
To all of you here today, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your continued commitment and passion. The work you do not only improves the quality of education and care within our community but also shines as a beacon of hope and compassion for those who need it most.
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. He had an incredible career…
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, Mr. Batten was an outstanding leader in many state and national professional organizations, receiving the Marvin E. Beekman Award in 1982.
Murray Batten was known for being a kind, compassionate listener who always sought the positive in those with whom he came into contact. After his untimely death in 1983, MAASE established the Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award in his honor.
This award is presented to practicing ISD/ESA special education administrators who embody the qualities of honesty, integrity, trust, and compassion—values that Murray Batten exemplified throughout his life.
Before we proceed with the announcement of this year's recipient, we are fortunate to have last year's award recipient, Darrin Adair, with us today to reflect on how receiving this esteemed honor has shaped his life and professional journey. Darrin’s perspective will undoubtedly highlight the deep meaning of this award and the lasting impact of Murray O. Batten’s remarkable legacy.
Thank you, Darrin, for sharing that with us. Now, let’s focus on the leadership qualities of this year’s recipient.
For nearly 16 years, this individual has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the field of special education. Throughout their career, they have exemplified exceptional leadership, determination, and a passion for ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive.
Currently serving as Principal, this person’s leadership spans a wide range of roles and responsibilities, all of which have had a profound and lasting impact on the educational community they serve. They believe wholeheartedly that every student—regardless of their unique needs—deserves access to a high-quality education that meets them where they are and supports their growth on the path to success.
Under their guidance, the school has flourished. Their leadership has fostered a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation. This individual has been instrumental in the growth and development of their team, expanding their department, and building lasting partnerships with local organizations that enhance the support available to students and families.
Their commitment to leadership and integrity is evident in every aspect of their work. Whether mentoring staff, collaborating with colleagues, or addressing the challenges of running an educational institution, they consistently approach their responsibilities with transparency, fairness, and an unwavering sense of accountability.
A shining example of their leadership was their proactive approach to reducing staff turnover within the district. Recognizing the toll that staff shortages can have on both employees and students, they worked tirelessly to establish mentorship programs, improve communication, and create a supportive work environment. Their efforts not only reduced turnover but also improved the quality of education provided to students—proving that leadership rooted in collaboration and care can lead to transformative change.
Their leadership extends beyond their school, particularly in fostering professional development both within the district and the broader community. They were instrumental in establishing a partnership with Saginaw Valley State University, providing a tuition reduction program for employees to support staff growth and reinforcing their commitment to continuous development.
A true visionary, this individual developed a Freshman Academy to support students transitioning from middle school to high school. This initiative ensured that these students had the tools and resources needed for success and has become an invaluable resource in building a strong academic foundation for the future.
Beyond their work within the school, this individual has been an active and influential member of MAASE, sharing their expertise and vision with peers across the state. Notably, they played a pivotal role in the creation of the New Administrator Academy, a program designed to help new administrators navigate the complexities of their roles. Through their mentorship, they have helped shape the next generation of educational leaders, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve their students and communities.
This individual’s leadership, honesty, integrity, and unwavering dedication to educational excellence have impacted countless lives—both within their district and across Michigan. Their work reflects the enduring legacy of Murray O. Batten, whose commitment to service, innovation, and the betterment of others lives on through their efforts.
Honesty has been a cornerstone of their leadership style, particularly when addressing difficult situations. Whether navigating sensitive issues within the school community or confronting significant challenges, they consistently foster open communication and encourage transparency at every level. Their courage to address tough issues head-on, combined with an unwavering commitment to fairness, has earned them the respect and admiration of their colleagues.
In every role they’ve undertaken, this individual has exemplified integrity. From their work with MAASE to their leadership within the district, their decisions—big or small—are consistently guided by a commitment to what is best for the students and families they serve. Their actions are rooted in the values of honesty, fairness, and the pursuit of excellence.
Finally, their dedication to education is unparalleled. Whether through their role in the New Administrator Academy, their leadership at Millet Learning Center, or their consistent efforts to improve the education system, this individual shows up every day with the belief that all students deserve the very best. Their commitment to their community is evident in the way they lead, mentor, and inspire others to follow suit.
It is clear that this individual embodies the qualities of leadership, honesty, integrity, and dedication—qualities that mirror the legacy of Murray O. Batten himself.
MAASE colleagues, it is with great honor that I announce the recipient of the 2025 Murray O’Batten Humanitarian Award: Chelsea Korzecki from Saginaw ISD.
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