Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) Executive Director of Special Education, Erin Senkowski, has been honored with the Marvin Beekman Award from the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE). This recognition is the highest of the MAASE honors, awarded annually to a standout special education administrator in the state.
“On behalf of Saginaw ISD, I congratulate Erin Senkowski on this fantastic recognition of leadership achievement. Erin’s vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in special education resonate throughout our county. This award is a testament to her pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future to increase opportunities and outcomes for the students we serve,” said Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw ISD.
Ms. Senkowski was presented with the award at MAASE’s annual conference on August 8, 2023, in Traverse City, Michigan. MAASE and Saginaw ISD coordinated to surprise Erin with her family in attendance. The criteria for the Beekman Award speaks to the impactful work of its recipients. Nominees must have demonstrated significant contributions on behalf of special education, exhibited integrity in their daily work, had involvement in both the community and educational arenas and made contributions to special education with statewide significance. The award recognizes those who have proven themselves visionaries in the field and made significant contributions to MAASE.
“Receiving the Marvin Beekman Award is a humbling testament to the importance of believing that what seems impossible is always within our reach. To be recognized by my fellow special education administrators for the work to improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities only exemplifies the importance of being a voice for those who need it most. The Beekman is a powerful reminder that our students and educators can continue to thrive through our work as advocates, barrier-busters, and leaders. Thank you to the Saginaw ISD Leadership and Board of Education for trusting me with the opportunity to lead an outstanding department of individuals who continue to strive to improve outcomes for our students with disabilities and beyond,” expressed Ms. Senkowski.
During her 19 years in education, Erin has served a variety of roles that support the advancement of students with exceptionalities across the educational setting.
She has spent her entire career serving students and families in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Prior to her work in Saginaw County, she served as a teacher for students with Autism and Emotional Impairments for the Midland County ESA. In 2005, she continued her teaching career with Saginaw Township Community Schools as a special education teacher for six years. She assumed her first leadership role in 2011 with the Saginaw ISD, where she served as the Special Education Supervisor assigned to the Freeland Community School District and Saginaw ISD Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. In 2014, she was promoted to the Assistant Director of Special Education for the Saginaw ISD and then again promoted to the Executive Director of Special Education in August of 2016. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Central Michigan University in the Special Education Department.
Erin’s focus on providing high-quality, equitable educational experiences for all students, especially children with disabilities, runs deep. She continually works to advocate for the needs of students with disabilities by promoting partnerships across the region and state. She is actively involved on various state and national level committees, currently serving as the co-chair of the Legislative Advocacy Committee for the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), where she works closely to provide input on pending legislation and policy impact on students and educators across the state. Locally, Erin serves on the Saginaw United Way Board of Directors.
Erin enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being outdoors. She and her husband Gary, who is also an educator, are the proud parents of three children Owen, Adelyn, and Eli.
