Special Education Week 2026 May 10-16
Resources to Celebrate Special Education Week in New Jersey
Sample Resolution for Districts 2026
Governor Proclaims May 10-16, as Special Education Week in New Jersey (Pending)
2026 Innovations in Special Education Award Program
About the Innovations in Special Education Awards
The annual Innovations in Special Education Awards recognize the exemplary programs and services for students with special needs provided by public school districts and private special education schools in New Jersey.
The program is part of Special Education Week in New Jersey and is sponsored by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and the New Jersey Association of Special Education Partner Schools (formerly ASAH).
Highlight your school’s exemplary programs and services for students with special needs by entering the 2026 Innovations in Special Education Award program.
If you have a new, successful, groundbreaking program that has been in place for at least three school years (on or before September 2022), the New Jersey School Boards Association wants to hear about it.
Programs started on or after September 2025 will not be considered.
Since it began in 2002, the Innovations program has drawn wide interest from the state’s special education community. In 2025 three entries received top honors. Learn more about the 2025 winners HERE.
Submission Procedure for 2026
Complete the Innovations Award entry form 2026 and email it to Ann Marie Smith, assistant editor/program specialist.
Entries must be submitted electronically and are limited to the entry form only. Include a detailed, specific description of the program in the space provided on the form. Answer each of the program description questions included on the form. The accuracy and clarity of the description matters. Be clear and succinct. If judges have questions, they cannot evaluate the merits of the program. Supplemental information such as photos, brochures, news articles, hard copies, etc., must be merged into the entry form as one document. Separate supplementary documents may not be considered if emailed as separate documents.
Read the instructions for completing the entry form carefully. Criteria and qualification information requested has been updated for 2026. Incomplete information may not be considered.
Entries must be received by 4:30 p.m., March 20, 2026. No exceptions.
Winners will be acknowledged in a video presentation during Special Education Week in New Jersey, May 10-16, 2026, and by the New Jersey Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Council meeting in June 2026.
For further information about the Annual Special Education Award program, contact Ann Marie Smith, assistant editor / program specialist at amsmith@njsba.org.