Heinen to Receive Special Education Honor

Jan. 17, 2012 ~ Connie Heinen has been selected as the 2011-12 General Education Administrator of the Year by the Kansas Association of Special Education Administrators.

Heinen has been principal at Olathe North High School since 2006. During her career, she previously worked as a special education teacher for 18 years.

"When our special education administrative team considered nominating a building principal for this award, the decision to put forth Dr. Heinen was unanimous among the seven of us," Assistant Director of Special Services Lanie Fasulo wrote in nominating Heinen. "She is truly an example of an administrator who surpasses all expectations in supporting programs, families, students and staff in special education.

"She takes special interest and care to ensure that programs are seamless, students have access to appropriate materials and resources, and staff are supported in their efforts to successfully assist students with special needs to realize post-secondary goals."

In other letters of recommendation for the award, staff at the school wrote that she is an inspiration as she uses her own example to express expectations to all staff. Including, personally working with a senior student with multiple challenges in order to ensure graduation.

"She tutored him on the reading portions of the required course work, meeting with him before and after school. This student was the first one in his family to graduate from high school," according to the nomination letter.

She will receive the award Feb. 29 at a luncheon in Wichita.