Mrs. Tamra Ummel, GCS Assistant Superintendent-Human Resources & Professional Development, was recently named the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Administrator of the Year. According to the CEC website: “The recipient of this award is an administrator who (1) has demonstrated his/her knowledge, skill and sensitivity in advancing the opportunities, life potential, and achievement of children and/or adults with disabilities, (2) often goes above and beyond what is normally expected in his/her profession, and (3) serves as a role model and inspiration to his/her students, teachers, and community.”

There are over 300 members in the Indiana CEC, a professional organization for Special Education educators, and Mrs. Ummel was nominated by a CEC peer/member from a school district in southern Indiana. All nominations from across the state go to the members of the CEC executive board, who then make a decision regarding who should be named the Administrator of the Year from among all the nominations.

Mrs. Ummel was the Director of Special Education Services at Warsaw Community Schools before coming to GCS in 2009. Mrs. Ummel has served the GCS district as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Professional Development; though she has continued to be an advocate for good services for students with special needs throughout her career.

According to Anthony England, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Elkhart Community Schools and President of the Indiana CEC, “Mrs. Ummel has been a leader in the field of Special Education for many years, and has been very active in the North Central Education Cooperative. We are honored to give her this award, as she is very highly regarded around the state. Additionally, Mrs. Ummel is someone who is always seen as a friend to students with special needs.”

Congratulations, Mrs. Ummel! Thank you for advocating for all GCS students!!