Berrien RESA Superintendent Eric Hoppstock Honored with Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award

BERRIEN SPRINGS – The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is proud to announce Eric Hoppstock as the recipient of the 2024 Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of special education throughout their careers. Eric Hoppstock’s career in education spans several decades and includes significant roles that have had a profound impact on special education policy, leadership and practice. 

“The noble work we do requires high levels of collaboration to transform the lives of students and their families, so this really is a WE award,” said Superintendent Hoppstock. “It reflects all the collective work that has been done, is being done, and will be done to transform special education.”

In addition to serving as Superintendent, Eric’s leadership experience includes roles as a special education director, supervisor, compliance officer, and school psychologist, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of students and educators alike. Throughout his career, Eric has demonstrated a deep commitment to shaping the future of special education through his work on various committees influencing special education teacher certification and legislative practices in Michigan. His involvement with local, state, and national Executive Boards, including his current roles as the chair of Unit Development for CASE, treasurer for Talent Together (a statewide consortium for teacher registered apprenticeships), and member of the Southwest Michigan Strategic Leadership Council, exemplifies his dedication to advancing the field beyond his direct professional responsibilities. 

“Eric has been a leader in the field of education for nearly 40 years,” said Berrien RESA Special Education Director Tina Lawson. “He focuses on opportunities for growth, empowerment, inclusion and progress. He has worked tirelessly to help all students and educators thrive, especially through forming partnerships with the business community, legislative leaders and associations. Through his work, he has broadened what it means to provide education services. It is not just about meeting goals or benchmarks, but empowering our world to recognize and grow everyone’s potential. He is most deserving of this award.”

Eric is also known for his expertise in leadership development, educational policy, and evidence-based practices that improve student outcomes. He completed advanced coursework in evaluation measurement and research design at Western Michigan University, which has informed his work in identifying high-leverage practices that make a measurable difference in education. His leadership extends into his community, where he continues to have a lasting impact on special education and educational policy development. 

Eric’s exceptional career has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Batten Award in 2014 and the MAASE Beekman Award, the organization’s highest distinction, in 2020. These accolades reflect his ongoing commitment to excellence and service to the field of special education. 

Eric’s passion for special education, leadership development, and policy reform ensures that his work will continue to shape the future of education for years to come. He was formally recognized with the Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award at the 2024 CASE Conference held in Savannah, Georgia on November 7, 2024. 

For more information about the Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award or to learn more about Eric Hoppstock, please visit www.casecec.org.

CASE, The Council of Administrators of Special Education, is the largest division of the Council for Exceptional Children. With over 5,500 members, it is the professional organization of choice for special education administrators across the country. CASE provides leadership to advance the field of special education through professional learning, policy and advocacy.