Education Rights Counsel to Honor Educator Kayla Dunlap with Inclusive Innovation in Education Award at Raise the Bar Event

Education Rights Counsel (ERC) will celebrate community, inclusion, and meaningful change at Raise the Bar, a special event taking place August 26 from 5–7 p.m. at Brickway Brewery & Distillery in Omaha. The evening will feature the presentation of the Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award. This year's honoree, Kayla Dunlap, a special education teacher with Bellevue Public Schools recognized for her unwavering commitment to student growth and belonging.

State Senator Victor Rountree will present the award, which honors a Nebraska educator who embodies compassion, courageous leadership, and the belief that every child belongs.

Dunlap was nominated by a wide circle of peers, families, and community members who described a consistent theme: her deep belief that every student deserves to be seen, valued, and given the chance to reach their full potential. As a special education teacher, she builds a classroom where students feel safe to be themselves, tailoring lessons to their interests and tracking their progress year after year — often staying invested in their journeys long after they've moved on.

Dunlap's passion for this work took root in high school and was confirmed the moment she began substitute teaching in special education classrooms, where she found watching her students grow to be deeply rewarding.

At the heart of Dunlap's leadership is collaboration, bringing together parents, teachers, and paraprofessionals so every student's full potential can be seen and celebrated. It's this spirit of partnership and belief in every child that embodies exactly what the Debora Basler Wisneski Inclusive Innovation in Education Award was created to honor.

"We're grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate this year's educators," said ERC’s CEO, Lauren Micek Vargas. "Reading the nominations and seeing the impact so many teachers are making in their classrooms is truly inspiring, and we thank everyone who shared their stories with us."

Raise the Bar invites the community to toast to inclusion with 504 Reserve Whiskey and ERC merchandise from RAYGUN, both available for purchase at the event, with proceeds supporting ERC's work. Admission is free and the event is open to guests 21 and older.

"Kayla represents exactly why this award exists—her belief that every child deserves to be seen and given the chance to succeed is at the core of everything we do at ERC," said Micek Vargas. "Her story is a powerful reminder of what's possible when we come together to protect every child's right to learn."

Event Details:
What: Raise the Bar, presented by Education Rights Counsel
When: August 26, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Brickway Brewery & Distillery, Omaha, Nebraska
Cost: Free admission; 21+ welcome