The Annie Awards
Inspired by the legacy of Anne Sullivan, noted teacher of Helen Keller, The Annie Awards are given annually to recognize excellence in special education.
The Chasing Hope Foundation seeks to recognize and reward those individuals who represent the highest standard in special education through The Annie Awards.
Too often the contributions of these women and men are overlooked – the Annies seeks to showcase their incredible efforts that make a positive difference in the lives of their students and families.
The Annie Awards, affectionately known as “The Annies,” will award individuals in three separate categories:
• Classroom professional (teacher and aide)
• Support champion (cab or bus driver,therapist, etc.)
• Administrative leadership (someone who works for, or in a school or school district)
Nominations for 2023 are OPEN!
For families raising children with challenges, the world of special education can be a confusing, exhausting, demanding and all-consuming experience. Those individuals who make a bumpy road smoother, the journey less lonely and offer hope in times of doubt are truly the unsung heroes in elementary and secondary education.
Our families understand quite well the tremendous impact special education can have on the development of a child and the engagement of a family. Many of those working in special education today speak of being drawn to teaching children whose primary needs are not academic. Some teachers and staff have said that working in special education is a ‘calling’ and derive distinct pleasure in seeing a student master a task or subject they have struggled with for long stretches of time.
As many public school districts throughout the country turn to cutting budgets, resources for special education are often first to be considered. Additionally, those teachers and staff that remain are often forced to do more with less for their students. All of this stress can add to an already demanding school day or semester. These amazing individuals are able to manage these challenges to the benefit of our children.
Too often special education professionals go unrecognized for their efforts. The Foundation is committed to singling out those in the profession who personify the best in the field and whose work serves as a standard toward which peers should strive. The Foundation seeks nominations from students, parents, peers, colleagues and community stakeholders for teachers, administrators and support staff working in special education in Northeastern Illinois.
Past Awards
(the 2020 & 2021 Annie Awards were paused due to the Covid -19 Pandemic)