Director of ECCS Specialized Education Services honored for dedication to the industry

Director of ECCS Specialized Education Services honored for dedication to the industry

According to a news statement from the school system, Dr. Laura Pingry-Kile, director of special education services for Eastern Carver County Schools, has been awarded the Minnesota Administrators for Special Education 2023 Legacy Award.

Since her beginnings as a special education teacher for Albert Lea Area Schools, Pingry-Kile has worked in the fields of education and administration for over three decades. She now serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota and has had a variety of leadership positions in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools.

Many effective special education directors have benefited from Pingry-Kile's guidance and leadership, according to the district. Peers also praised her for how she handled more general problems in the industry, such instructor retention and support. The press release states that Pingry-Kile has been in charge of the department's annual "Workload and Wellness Data Dive and Analysis" for the previous several years in an attempt to comprehend staff workload, work-life balance, and perceptions of supports.

According to the MASE website, the main goal of the organization is to "develop strong leaders who advocate for students with disabilities." By honoring someone's "commitment to encouraging, developing, and mentoring" up-and-coming educational leaders, the Legacy Award hits at the heart of this purpose.

Pingry-Kile will get official recognition from MASE during October 22–24, 2023 Fall Leadership Conference.