In celebration of their leadership and impact, this spring the Johns Hopkins School of Education proudly honors two extraordinary educators whose contributions have shaped the field of special education.
At a special awards ceremony during the 2025 Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Annual Convention & Expo in Baltimore, long-time faculty member Linda Tsantis, EdD, and distinguished alumna Terri Savage, EdD, will be recognized for their lifelong commitment to advancing innovation and opportunity for all learners.
A pioneer in early childhood special education, Linda Tsantis will receive the Legacy of Excellence Award in recognition of her profound influence on generations of educators, students, and researchers.
Her journey, spanning decades of dedicated work, has been marked by an unwavering commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for young children with disabilities. From her early days as a Head Start teacher to her groundbreaking work on infant fetal alcohol syndrome at Georgetown University Hospital, Tsantis has consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge in special education.
Her tenure as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins and George Washington universities saw her shape innovative programs that emphasized proactive family engagement, learning technologies, and teacher advocacy. Her work at IBM further positioned Tsantis at the forefront of integrating assistive and adaptive technologies into early education, expanding possibilities for children with developmental challenges. Whether leading national and international initiatives or mentoring the next generation of educators, her influence is far-reaching—and ongoing.
Terri Savage, a 2015 doctoral graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Education, will be honored with the Alumni Visionary Award in Special Education for her outstanding leadership and commitment to transforming public education.
Following impactful service as the executive director of special education for Howard County Public Schools, Savage was named the system’s chief academic officer in July 2024. In her current role, she leads academic strategy for over 57,000 students, ensuring that every learner, regardless of ability, receives a high-quality education. Her dedication to special education is deeply personal—driven by her own experiences overcoming adversity as a first-generation college graduate.
Throughout her nearly 30-year career in leadership roles across four different Maryland school districts, Savage has been a tireless advocate for students with diverse needs. Known for her strategic thinking, solution-focused leadership, and deep passion for educational equity, she continues to empower educators, students, and families. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a mentor, a champion for change, and an inspiration to those who believe in the power of education to transform lives.
Together, Tsantis and Savage exemplify the Johns Hopkins School of Education’s mission of thinking fearlessly and acting courageously to find educational solutions that work. These two honorees have not only advanced the field of special education but have also inspired countless educators to follow in their footsteps. In celebrating their achievements, the School of Education recognizes their legacy—one that will continue to shape the future of education for years to come.
Presented by the Council for Exceptional Children and held this year at the Baltimore Convention Center, the CEC Annual Convention & Expo is the world’s largest conference supporting special education. The special awards reception for Linda Tsantis and Terri Savage takes place Thursday, March 13, at 6 p.m. ET at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor.
