Celebrate Deaf History Awareness Month by exploring CEC's resources and joining our special interest division, The Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DCD)! Find resources: https://exceptionalchildren.org/taxonomy/term/75 Join DCD: https://dcd.exceptionalchildren.org/

🌧️April showers bring...plenty of events and opportunities to check out! Dive into everything CEC has to offer in April, from exciting webinars to Exceptional Children's Week. Learn more at https://exceptionalchildren.org/events

At #CEC2026, CEC TV spoke with Becky Saunders, our 2026 Teacher of the Year, about her work and what keeps her motivated. Learn more about Becky: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/hayes-hs-teacher-named-special-ed-teacher-year

Today we recognize, celebrate, and learn from & about those with Autism! "Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that may cause social, communication, or behavioral challenges." Check out our resources on Autism: https://exceptionalchildren.org/topics/autism

Are you a strategic and detail-oriented leader with exceptional project management abilities? CEC is seeking a Senior Manager for Publishing and Content Revenue. Find out more and apply today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/senior-manager-publishing-content-revenue

In the latest episode of CEC's podcast, Rebecca Saunders, CEC's Teacher of the Year, talks about her career supporting students with educational, behavioral, and medical needs. https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/driven-to-innovate-through-community-a-teacher-of-the-year-s-reflections/

Meet CEC's Partner of the Month: Presence! Presence connects schools with the right technology and support for special education related services, with an all-in-one platform. Learn more: https://presence.com/

"When he first arrived in the U.S. as an English teacher, he noticed something that had no equivalent in his Philippine classroom experience..." Read more: https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/how-a-filipino-teacher-from-pampanga-became-americas-rising-star-in-special-education/

Join us on Monday, April 13 for a webinar that will strengthen your assessment practices, elevate your instructional design, and create a more unified, effective approach to serving students with significant disabilities. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/p/DataThatMatters

In a recent episode of Rewriting the Narrative, Dr. LaShorage Shaffer explores the critical role early childhood education and early intervention play in children’s development. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/starting-strong-early-education-intervention-and-systems-shape-childrens-lives

"For many Latino families, entering special education means navigating two unfamiliar systems at once: disability services and English." Read more: https://www.the74million.org/article/when-language-becomes-a-barrier-to-special-education/

Need expert-reviewed resources created by your peers that you can use in your own classroom? Search our Exceptional Teacher Resource Repository for videos, handouts, templates, instructional strategies, how-tos, and more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/teacher-resources

"...7.5 million students ages 3–21 received special education services...in the 2022–23 school year, representing 15 percent of all public school students." Read more: https://www.naesp.org/resource/special-education-ambassadors-how-to-presume-competence-in-every-decision/

Enroll in CEC’s Social/Emotional/Behavioral Practices On-Demand Collection to learn strategies you can use in your own work to improve student success! Find out more and register now for immediate access: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/p/SEBPracticesCollection

Get ready for Teacher Appreciation Week! CEC offers multiple opportunities to nominate an educator in your life (or yourself!) for acknowledgment and the chance to win lunch for your department. Learn more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/get-ready-celebrate-teacher-appreciation-week-2026

Read more now: https://www.the74million.org/article/shaping-schools-to-fit-students-with-disabilities-leads-to-academic-gains/

Read more of our interview with Dr. Shericka Smith, including her role, why we need the ECHO project, and how it functions: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/building-safety-net-dr-shericka-smith-echo-and-school-mental-health

"Their participation highlights the Donald E. and Helen L. Ross College of Education's ongoing commitment to preparing future leaders in special education and advancing the field." Read more: https://www.lynn.edu/news/2026/faculty-graduate-students-present-research-international-convention

CEC's Virtual Convention lets you access research, tips, and strategies you can actually apply to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, in a way that fits your schedule. Don't miss out on your chance to step up your professional development! https://cecconvention.org/

Read more about their experience co-teaching as new educators: https://web.uri.edu/education/2026/03/23/from-college-classmates-to-classroom-co-teachers-two-uri-alums-navigate-the-first-year-of-teaching-together/

Join us on April 14 for a webinar that will offer clarity for special education professionals to differentiate between AT and UDL: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-navigating-access-and-inclusion-distinguishing-between-assistive-technology-and-universal-design-for-learning

Have you started planning for Exceptional Children's Week yet? #ECW2026 is an annual celebration of students with exceptionalities and the professionals who serve them. https://exceptionalchildren.org/exceptional-childrens-week

Whether it’s a creative lesson, a moment of compassion, or a behind-the-scenes effort, we recognize that school staff are making a difference every single day. Celebrate your peers with CEC's Game-Changer Spotlight Recognition. https://exceptionalchildren.org/game-changer-spotlight-recognition

Honored to have received the Council for Exceptional Children's 2026 Special Education Research Award. @cecmembership.bsky.social #CEC2026

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day today by reading our blog, A Parent’s Perspective: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/world-down-syndrome-day-parents-perspective Find more resources and information on the World Down Syndrome Day site: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

Read the follow-up thoughts of one of our 2026 Convention keynote speakers, Jody Britten: https://medium.com/the-ai-and-education-studio/ai-in-education-weekly-update-march-17th-opportunity-in-the-shift-d1b7f993bba1

"This study is among the first to offer population-level evidence that EI participation is associated with measurable improvements in later school performance." Read more: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/support-services-children-disabilities-linked-improved-academic-outcomes

Recent remarks about learning disabilities and leadership reinforce harmful stereotypes that people and families have worked for decades to overcome. Read NCLD's statement: https://ncld.org/ncld-statement-responding-to-administration-remarks-about-learning-disabilities

#CEC2026 has wrapped, and we are already looking forward to #CEC2027! Want to be the first to know about proposals, registration, programming, and more? Fill out our interest form to get updates about CEC 2027! https://cec1785.wufoo.com/forms/s12i91tn1sr6gz4/

#CEC2026 has been filled with fun, connections, learning, advocacy, exciting new programs, and so much more! Thank you to all our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and supporters who have made this an incredible experience. The fun continues today and tomorrow!

#CEC2026 continues online with our Virtual Convention, kicking off on April 8! Access more than 40 on-demand and several live sessions to get the latest research, tips, and strategies to boost student success. https://cecconvention.org/events/cec-2026-virtual-convention

Heading to #CEC2026? Check out these tips to enhance your #CEC2026 experience! With countless sessions, networking opportunities, connections, and fun, you can design and enjoy your Convention experience.

We are so excited to kick off #CEC2026 tomorrow! Already in Salt Lake City? Stop by the Convention Center between 2 and 7 PM to pick up your badge or register. What has you excited for CEC 2026? Let us know in the comments! 👇

CEC’s Professional Awards celebrate the educators, leaders, and scholars whose passion and commitment are transforming special education. We look forward to honoring our awardees at CEC 2026 this week. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/meet-our-2026-professional-award-recipients

Join CEC and the Center on PBIS for our March webinar. Participants will learn how to identify and address vulnerable and equitable decision points. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-center-on-pbis-pd-series-strategies-for-supporting-student-social-emotional-and-behavioral-growth

Thursday, special education organizations led a National Call-in Day to pressure federal lawmakers to oppose the transfer of special education responsibilities out of the ED. https://www.k12dive.com/news/special-education-congress-interagency-agreements-IDEA-McMahon-civil-rights/813962/

"...education researchers, advocates, and former federal officials discussed what the reduced federal oversight of special education could mean..." Read more: https://www.ednc.org/3-2-2026-dismantling-department-of-education-could-worsen-inequities-for-students-with-disabilities-researchers-say/

This month we recognize and celebrate those with developmental disabilities! People with developmental disabilities have always existed and deserve equitable access to education, healthcare, and self-directed living. Explore our resources: https://exceptionalchildren.org/taxonomy/term/70

CEC and DCDT are excited to announce that the inaugural exam for the Nationally Certified Transition Specialist (NCTS) will be held on April 21. Be among the first to achieve NCTS certification. Learn more and register today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/ncts-exam-preparation

Check out our resources for those considering a career in special education, including an overview of the field, where to start, specialty areas, profiles of current and future special educators, and state specific resources: https://www.exceptionalteachers.org/home

We are 1 week away from #CEC2026! Are you ready for a Convention packed with professional development, networking, fun, and connection? It's not too late to join us in Salt Lake City! Learn more and register today: https://cecconvention.org/

Read more of the opinion on the use of AI in special education, written by Dawn Fleming-Kendall, advocate and former public & private education administrator: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-ai-isnt-the-real-threat-to-special-education/2026/02

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, Dr. Joana Idakwo-Ada explores what it takes to build inclusive, equitable special education across global contexts. https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/advancing-inclusion-humanizing-special-education-from-the-us-to-nigeria/

Join us tomorrow at 4:30 PM ET for a webinar that will explore 2e education through the Trellis and Blossom Model. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/webinar-when-strengths-and-supports-meet-reimagining-gifted-and-special-education-for-twice-exceptional-learners

Empower your students to thrive in adulthood with the most trusted transition curriculum available! Learn more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/life-centered-education-transition-curriculum

Today is Read Across America Day! This initiative, started by NEA, was created to promote literacy and instill a love of reading in children and teens. CEC's Exceptional Children's Week will also focus on the importance of literacy success! https://exceptionalchildren.org/exceptional-childrens-week

Today we recognize and celebrate those who live with a rare disease by learning how we can help advocate for equity in social opportunities, healthcare, and more. Read about what a rare disease is and why this day is so important for patients and caregivers: https://www.rarediseaseday.org/

Find out more about the data: https://www.k12dive.com/news/these-3-charts-show-how-special-education-enrollment-keeps-growing-IDEA-autism/812897/

In a recent episode of Rewriting the Narrative, CEC President Ben Tillotson is joined by Dr. Bill Bogdan and Dr. Luanne Purcell to reflect on the 50th anniversary of IDEA. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/50-years-idea-reflecting-progress-purpose-and-possibility

Exceptional Children’s Week is almost here! Join us as we celebrate students with exceptionalities and the dedicated professionals who support them. Discover how you can participate and access resources to plan your own observance. https://exceptionalchildren.org/exceptional-childrens-week