NMCASE is a unit of the Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc (CASE), which is an international professional educational organization affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children whose members are dedicated to the enhancement of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual in society. The Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc. provides leadership and support to members by influencing policies and practices to improve the quality of education. CASE, Inc was constituted in 1952 and has over 4800 members throughout the United States, Canada, and various other countries. www.casecec.org 

2019-2020 NMCASE Maggie Cordova Award 

Administrator of the Year:

CHRISTA KULDIGE

Christa, a 34-year veteran of special education, is currently the director of Exceptional Programs for Farmington Schools. Her entire career has focused on special education needs. She has taught 3rd grade through college, self-contained through AP, starting in northern Illinois, then relocating to northern New Mexico in 1997. She was the EPO director in Aztec for five years and just completed her fourth year with Farmington Schools. As the NMCASE membership chair, she increased membership and communicated with current and potential members. Her current position is president elect and Christa is grateful for the support and mentorship provided by CASE in her early years, which she now works tirelessly to “pay forward”. Her passion for ensuring student success drives her to continually improve systems and processes in Farmington and across the state.

• Have at least one member from each of the public school districts
• Co-sponsor professional development activities in conjunction with the PED, Regional Educational Cooperatives (RECs), and Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs)
• Have a mentorship program for administrators of special education who have three or less years of experience