Rachel Fuerer Named the 2025 CASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAASE Congratulates Member Rachel Fuerer on Receiving the 2025 CASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education Award
[Lansing, MI] — [November 6, 2025] — The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) proudly celebrates Rachel Fuerer, a dedicated leader and long-time member of our organization, for being named the 2025 CASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). This national recognition honors Rachel’s extraordinary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for students with disabilities across Michigan.
For more than two decades, Rachel has been a driving force in special education leadership—transforming systems, influencing policy, and supporting educators and families statewide. As Director of the Special Education Instructional Leadership Network (SEILN), an initiative of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), Rachel has championed statewide collaboration to expand equitable access, strengthen instructional leadership, and address pressing challenges such as educator shortages, funding structures, and the reduction of seclusion and restraint practices.
Her influence extends well beyond administration. As Co-Chair of the MAASE Finance & Legislation Committee since 2014, and a long-standing member of the Legislative Action Committee, Rachel has been instrumental in shaping state policy and helping secure nearly half a billion dollars in additional special education funding for Michigan over the past two years — a transformative investment for students and educators alike.
During her acceptance speech, Rachel reflected on the deep connection between her success and her roots in MAASE.
“I couldn’t have made the impact I did without the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education,” she said. “MAASE gave me my foundation. They showed me what leadership in special education looks like — not just in theory, but in action. Through their mentorship and unwavering commitment to students, I found my voice, my courage, and my calling.”
Rachel also shared an inspiring reminder to those who work tirelessly on behalf of students with disabilities:
“When the work feels too big, start small. Early on, I found myself thinking, ‘Someone should do something about that.’ And then I realized — maybe I was the someone. Leadership isn’t about waiting for permission — it’s about stepping into the gap and choosing to be the difference.”
In her remarks, Rachel called on fellow administrators to continue pushing toward what may seem impossible.
“Don’t be afraid of what feels unrealistic,” she urged. “Equity, inclusion, access — all of it once seemed impossible. Change doesn’t come from doing it all — it comes from each of us doing what we can, where we are.”
Rachel’s humility and passion have long made her a respected voice within the MAASE community. Through her past service on the MAASE Executive Board, her leadership in policy and finance, and her thoughtful contributions as a conference presenter and mentor, Rachel continues to inspire colleagues statewide.
“With over two decades of service, Rachel Fuerer has become a cornerstone of special education leadership across Michigan, " said the CASE Awards Committee Chair, Melissa Taylor. “Her work has impacted policy, professional practice, and student outcomes on a local, regional, and statewide level.”
MAASE extends heartfelt congratulations to Rachel Fuerer for this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her ongoing commitment to improving the lives of students, families, and educators across Michigan.
(pictured above in the center)
Media Contact:
Abby Cypher, Executive Director
Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE)
abbycypher@maase.org
517-618-1342