L-C Special Education Teacher Cherney honored with WCASS award

LUXEMBURG, Wis. – Morgan Cherney, a special education teacher at Luxemburg-Casco High School since September 2021, has received recognition for Outstanding Achievement and Contributions in Special Education from the Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services (WCASS) in Region 7. She was surprised with the award by Rachel Kaderabek, regional special education network director for CESA 7, at a May 28 district staff meeting.

“Morgan’s unwavering compassion and advocacy for her students are the foundation of an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels seen and valued,” said Jane Mathes, director of student services for the Luxemburg-Casco School District, in nominating Cherney for the award. “She goes above and beyond to build meaningful connections, ensuring that students have not only academic success, but also the confidence to thrive socially and emotionally.”

Cherney oversees the district’s Best Buddies program, which pairs students with intellectual disabilities with peers for activities in and out of the classroom, along with coordinating the Be the Spark! Spartan Coffee program, providing special education students with real-world learning experiences. She additionally participates on the district special education leadership team and has mentored a new teacher with thoughtfulness and care, according to Mathes.

Outside of L-C responsibilities, Cherney has continued her passion for inclusion to help shape a more prepared and empowered future for students with disabilities. She was a panelist at the annual WI Transition Conference and has guided initiatives through her leadership on the County Communities on Transition group in Kewaunee County, which supports the transition of students with disabilities from high school to functioning, participatory members within their community to the maximum extent possible.

“Receiving the award from WCASS is both a tremendous honor and humbling experience,” says Cherney. “Those who know me know that I don’t do what I do for recognition – I do it because it’s a passion deeply rooted in my heart. This recognition represents far more than my individual achievement; it honors the shared dedication of students, families, colleagues, mentors and advocates who work together to build inclusive, supportive and equitable educational spaces for every learner.”

While special education is her career, Cherney indicates that it has a larger meaning for her, framing her overall outlook.

“Special education is far more than a career for me – it’s my passion, my purpose and the heart of everything I do,” Cherney says. “Every day, I am driven to make a difference in the lives of students who inspire me with their resilience and potential. This award reaffirms the value of my philosophy and the importance of continuing to innovate, collaborate and advocate for all.”

The Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Special Services serves the state’s special education and student services leaders through the support of effective practices, professional learning, policy and legislative advocacy, and professional networking. Each spring, WCASS presents regional awards in eight different categories.

A 2011 graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School, Cherney and her husband, Tyler, along with their two children, Brexton (6) and Braelynn (4), live within the L-C community.

“My commitment to inclusion doesn’t end in the classroom,” she adds. “At home, I make it a priority to teach my own children the value of empathy and acceptance for all.”

Educators like Cherney are truly invaluable, according to Mathes, who says that there is a continued and pressing need for passionate, dedicated individuals to serve as special education teachers. She indicates that the Luxemburg-Casco School District has special education openings for the 2025-26 academic year, which can be found on the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN).