Celebrate Inclusion: Nominate for the 2026 First-Class Awards

Nominate someone today for the 2026 First-Class Awards. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is accepting nominations through March 13, 2026. The annual awards honor and celebrate educators, administrators, and students who actively promote the inclusion of students with disabilities across all areas of education. 

Nominees should demonstrate:

• Modelling excellence in their role relative to special education
• Positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment and mindset
  
  

Award Categories (up to 14 awards):

1. Elementary: Teacher, Administrator, Student and School Support Staff (instructional assistant (IA), office staff, librarian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, etc.)
2. Middle, High School & Secondary: Teacher, Administrator, Student and School Support Staff (IA, office staff, librarian, bus driver, cafeteria worker, etc.)
3. Central Office: Any FCPS central office staff member (superintendent, assistant superintendent, executive principal, director, coordinator, specialist, resource teacher, administrative support, etc.)
4. Specialty Program Staff: Anyone assigned to a public day school, alternative school, home-based instruction, or other FCPS educational program not clearly defined as an elementary, middle, high, or secondary school
5. Specialist: Professional staff categorized as related service providers (speech language pathologist, counselor, occupational therapist, physical therapist, itinerant, etc.)
6. Team: Any team of two or more staff members who work together to support special education students, whether directly or indirectly. This award is not specific to a role; it may be awarded to any staff team (ex. administrators, teachers, related services, etc.)
7. Community Partner: Any person or organization not employed by FCPS which contributes to excellence in special education
   
   

Complete this form to nominate an administrator, a staff member, or a student who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Special Education Family Conference on April 18th. 

Nominations close March 13, 2026. For more information, email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.