NHASEA Awards and Recognition

The NHASEA is proud to support people like Patricia “Patty” Wallace, M.Ed., CAGS, who has been named New Hampshire’s 2026 Special Education Administrator of the Year, recognizing nearly two decades of leadership dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities and supporting the educators, families, and communities who serve them.

Patty’s career has been shaped by a deeply student-centered approach to special education. Her early professional experience at the Brattleboro Retreat gave her firsthand insight into the ways trauma, mental health, and disability can intersect in the lives of children and families. That experience helped establish a perspective she has carried throughout her career—one grounded in compassion, collaboration, and an understanding of the whole child.

She went on to spend 13 years with SAU 47, serving as a Special Education Coordinator and Assistant Director of Student Services. For the past five years, Patty has served as Director of Student Services for SAU 92 and the Hinsdale School District, where she has led the development of programs and systems designed to strengthen special education services and support student success.

Colleagues know Patty as a leader who empowers others, approaches challenges creatively, and keeps the needs of students and families at the center of decision-making. Her work in Hinsdale includes supporting special education programming, transition planning, compliance, professional development, and continued efforts to improve educational and post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.

Patty also contributes to the profession beyond her district. She serves as Secretary on the NHASEA Board of Directors, helping advance the association’s work on behalf of special education administrators and students throughout New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire Special Education Administrator of the Year award recognizes distinguished leadership, perseverance, strong partnerships with families and communities, professional engagement, and an unwavering commitment to special education. Patty’s career reflects each of those qualities, and NHASEA is proud to recognize her leadership and her contributions to students, families, educators, and schools across New Hampshire.