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Leadership
Teaching Today Wisconsin | Summer/Back-to-School 2025 Page 25

L-C Special Education Teacher Cherney Honored with WCASS Award

erabek, regional special education network elist at the annual WI Transition Conference reaffirms the value of my philosophy and the
director for CESA 7, at a May 28th district and has guided initiatives through her leader- importance of continuing to innovate, collabo-
staff meeting. ship on the County Communities on Transition rate and advocate for all.”
“Morgan’s unwavering compassion and group in Kewaunee County, which supports The Wisconsin Council of Administrators
advocacy for her students are the foundation the transition of students with disabilities of Special Services serves the state’s special
of an inclusive and supportive learning envi- from high school to functioning, participa- education and student services leaders through
ronment where every student feels seen and tory members within their community to the the support of effective practices, professional
valued,” said Jane Mathes, director of student maximum extent possible. learning, policy and legislative advocacy,
services for the Luxemburg-Casco School “Receiving the award from WCASS is and professional networking. Each spring,
District, in nominating Cherney for the award. both a tremendous honor and humbling expe- WCASS presents regional awards in eight dif-
“She goes above and beyond to build mean- rience,” says Cherney. “Those who know me ferent categories.
ingful connections, ensuring that students know that I don’t do what I do for recogni- A 2011 graduate of Luxemburg-Casco
have not only academic success, but also the tion – I do it because it’s a passion deeply High School, Cherney and her husband, Tyler,
confidence to thrive socially and emotionally.” rooted in my heart. This recognition represents along with their two children, Brexton (6) and
Cherney oversees the district’s Best far more than my individual achievement; it Braelynn (4), live within the L-C community.
Buddies program, which pairs students with honors the shared dedication of students, fam- “My commitment to inclusion doesn’t
intellectual disabilities with peers for activi- ilies, colleagues, mentors and advocates who end in the classroom,” she adds. “At home, I
ties in and out of the classroom, along with work together to build inclusive, supportive make it a priority to teach my own children the
coordinating the Be the Spark! Spartan Coffee and equitable educational spaces for every value of empathy and acceptance for all.”
Luxemburg-Casco School District program, providing special education students learner.” Educators like Cherney are truly invalu-
Morgan Cherney, a special education with real-world learning experiences. She While special education is her career, able, according to Mathes, who says that there
teacher at Luxemburg-Casco High School additionally participates on the district special Cherney indicates that it has a larger meaning is a continued and pressing need for passion-
since September 2021, has received recog- education leadership team and has mentored for her, framing her overall outlook. ate, dedicated individuals to serve as special
nition for Outstanding Achievement and a new teacher with thoughtfulness and care, “Special education is far more than a education teachers.
Contributions in Special Education from according to Mathes. career for me – it’s my passion, my purpose
the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Outside of L-C responsibilities, Cherney and the heart of everything I do,” Cherney
Special Services (WCASS) in Region 7. She has continued her passion for inclusion to help says. “Every day, I am driven to make a dif- www.luxcasco.k12.wi.us
was surprised with the award by Rachel Kad- shape a more prepared and empowered future ference in the lives of students who inspire me
for students with disabilities. She was a pan- with their resilience and potential. This award