Nancy Grasmick, Maryland state superintendent of schools, has spent much of her career focused on the needs of all children and their families, especially those with disabilities. She is nationally respected for her thoughtful and systematic leadership approach to the building of consensus among parents and educators on issues and programs for special education. These collaborations have led to an innovative model of funding and accountability for special education in Maryland that is systematically integrated with the state accountability system.

After experiencing a temporary hearing loss as a child, Grasmick became committed to improving education for children with disabilities. Upon receiving her bachelor of science from Towson University, she taught young children with disabilities in a Baltimore City elementary school. She pursued her interest in deaf education by receiving a master of science from Gallaudet University. Later she taught children with emotional disabilities and language disorders. She was the supervisor of special education for the Baltimore County Public Schools for six years, a principal of the Chatsworth School for students with severe emotional disabilities for four years, and an assistant and then associate superintendent for the Baltimore County Public Schools for 11 years. Grasmick received her doctorate in communicative sciences with a focus on speech and language disorders from Johns Hopkins University.

Grasmick serves on numerous boards and commissions addressing the needs of children and adults with disabilities including the Center for Technology Education at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Hospital for Children, Maryland Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, Metropolitan Baltimore Association of Learning Disabled Children, and Maryland Association for Dyslexic Adults and Youth. She holds honorary doctoral degrees from five colleges and universities in recognition of her tremendous contributions to children and their education and has been elected to Who's Who in American Education and Who's Who in America. She has also received the 2000 Outstanding Advocate Award from the National Association of School Psychologists and the President's Award from the National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children. In 2000, she was awarded the prestigious McGraw Prize in Education.

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