As professionals in the field of special education, you are all making a difference every single day. Take a moment to recognize your colleagues with a certificate from CEC! Find out how to nominate your colleague: https://exceptionalchildren.org/game-changer-spotlight-recognition

When students see themselves reflected in classrooms and beyond, they thrive. This Black History Month, we’re highlighting why diversity in the field isn’t optional; it’s essential. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/when-students-see-themselves-why-diversity-special-education-matters

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, we appreciate each and every one of you! Send a special education teacher, faculty, or admin a valentine to show how much you appreciate them and adore the work they do: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/special-educator-valentines

What does it take to build a school culture where educators feel supported, students feel safe, and families feel connected? https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/creating-thriving-school-environment-through-strong-principal-teacher-partnerships

In 2016, Alexander Campbell received the Yes I Can Award for Advocacy. Today, he continues to advocate as a member of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and looks forward to graduating from VCU. https://news.vcu.edu/article/justice-education-and-advocacy-propel-alexander-campbell

In today's fast-paced world, keeping up with AI can prove challenging. CEC and CIDDL's Quick Takes series on Artificial Intelligence is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve and support every learner’s success. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/quick-takes-artificial-intelligence

Join CEC and the Center on PBIS for our February webinar, part of a yearlong professional development series. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-center-on-pbis-pd-series-strategies-for-supporting-student-social-emotional-and-behavioral-growth

We are one month away from #CEC2026! Will you be joining thousands of your peers and us for a Convention packed with professional development, networking opportunities, innovative resources, engaging special events, and so much more? Register today: https://cecconvention.org/

CEC's Board of Directors is reviewing and updating its Strategic Plan to reflect CEC's strategy of serving its members and the field over the next 5-10 years. This is your opportunity to provide your input on CEC's future. https://cec1785.wufoo.com/forms/cec-strategic-plan-survey/

Join us this Thursday for a chance to learn how to differentiate between assessments, as well as evaluate appropriate uses. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-help-how-can-i-use-assessment-to-drive-classroom-instruction#tab-product_tab_overview

Join CEC and DCD for a webinar that will guide learners through research, highlight data, and more. Find out more: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/cec-dcd-live-webinar-building-vocabulary-foundations-for-children-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing-connecting-research-to-practice

CEC is proud to recognize children and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated their determination and achievements in multiple ways. Meet this year’s awardees, who will be honored at #CEC2026 in Salt Lake City! Read more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/meet-2026-yes-i-can-winners

February may be a short month, but it's packed with events and opportunities for you! CEC's upcoming events and professional learning programs are designed to support special educators at every stage of their careers. https://exceptionalchildren.org/events

"Step forward, say yes, and allow yourself to grow into the leader you are meant to be." Meet LaKisha Stanley, the president of CEC's Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/pathways-leadership-when-others-see-leader-you-lakisha-stanley

CEC's Board of Directors is reviewing and updating its Strategic Plan to reflect CEC's strategy of serving its members and the field over the next 5-10 years. This is your opportunity to provide your input on CEC's future. https://cec1785.wufoo.com/forms/cec-strategic-plan-survey/

Join eLuma and CEC next Tuesday for a webinar that explores how a well-designed Tier 2 system can lighten the load on Tier 3 and more. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-turn-tier-2-into-a-difference-maker-five-high-impact-mtss-supports-you-can-use-tomorrow

What truly sets the CEC Convention apart isn’t just the sessions or the speakers—it’s the people, the energy, and the sense of belonging that attendees experience from the moment they arrive. https://cecconvention.org/convention-news/why-educators-keep-coming-back-to-the-cec-convention

TOMORROW: Hear Kuna Tavalin, CEC’s Senior Advisor for Policy and Advocacy, discuss policy updates on how recent developments in Washington, D.C. are impacting special education. Register today: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/p/WHIW_Feb2026

Join us on Thursday, February 12 for a chance to learn how to differentiate between assessments, as well as evaluate appropriate uses. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-help-how-can-i-use-assessment-to-drive-classroom-instruction#tab-product_tab_overview

In the latest episode of CEC's podcast, Ben Tillotson is joined by parent advocates Debra Evans and Maria Fausto to discuss the complexities of navigating special education. https://exceptionalchildren.podbean.com/e/at-the-table-together-parents-educators-and-the-human-side-of-special-education/

Effective school mental health systems don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional structures, shared expertise, and ongoing learning. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/building-school-mental-health-systems-last-ashley-greenwald-power-peer-learning

This week, we recognize the contributions of school counselors and the various ways they impact students' lives. For more information, see the resources provided in this blog post: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/national-school-counseling-week-2026

Regina Frazier’s leadership journey in special education did not begin with a formal role or title. It started with curiosity, connection, and a growing belief in the power of a professional community. Read more: https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/pathways-leadership-regina-fraziers-cec-journey

Hear Kuna Tavalin, CEC’s Senior Advisor for Policy and Advocacy, discuss policy updates on how recent developments in Washington, D.C. are impacting special education. Register today: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/p/WHIW_Feb2026

On 1/28, OSERS hosted a listening session to hear personal experiences with special education and vocational rehabilitation. The Department again heard the same message from stakeholders: now is the time to advance IDEA, not dismantle 50 years of progress. exceptionalchildren.org/blog/advocat...

Join CEC for a session focused on rebuilding trust in special education. Participants will learn to build a school environment characterized by open communication and clear expectations. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/webinar-counter-geniuses-see-the-able-not-the-label

Join us on Thursday at 4:00 PM ET to gain strategies to strengthen resilience, foster emotional balance, and create a healthier classroom environment. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-emotionally-healthy-teachers-strategies-to-help-you-and-your-students

Help shape CEC's future! The Board of Directors is reviewing and updating the Strategic Plan and wants to hear from you. Take our short survey to make your voice heard! Both members and non-members are invited to participate. https://cec1785.wufoo.com/forms/cec-strategic-plan-survey/

What does it really mean for educators to be advocates? CEC President Ben Tillotson and Kim Knackstedt unpack what advocacy looks like in practice and how educators are more powerful than they realize. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/redefining-advocacy-how-educators-can-influence-change

Join us on Monday for a session that will offer a welcoming space to ask honest questions, reflect on real classroom challenges, and the chance to gain practical insight! Register now: https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/diving-survival-guide-new-special-education-teachers

View the Committee for Education Funding (CEF)'s letter, toolkit, and more and take action now: https://cef.org/advocacy/

Last week, Chad Rummel, the Executive Director of CEC, appeared on NPR's 1A to discuss the effects of the current administration's plans for the Department of Education on special education. Listen to the full episode: https://the1a.org/segments/dot-gov-26-the-department-of-education/

Join eLuma and CEC for a webinar that explores how a well-designed Tier 2 system can lighten the load on Tier 3 and more. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-turn-tier-2-into-a-difference-maker-five-high-impact-mtss-supports-you-can-use-tomorrow

CEC's Partner of the Month, PSI Solutions, partners closely with school teams to support IEP compliance, differentiated instruction, and meaningful student progress across both inclusive and specialized settings. https://www.psi-solutions.org/

Join us on January 29th at 4:00 PM ET to gain strategies to strengthen resilience, foster emotional balance, and create a healthier classroom environment. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-emotionally-healthy-teachers-strategies-to-help-you-and-your-students

Looking to start the next chapter of your career? CEC is hiring! The Manager of Online Learning plays a crucial role in the management and execution of our professional development offerings. Learn more and apply today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/manager-online-learning

CEC's and CIDDL's Artificial Intelligence Strategy Summit is ready to equip educators with the information, tools, and resources to use this new technology responsibly and meaningfully. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/artificial-intelligence-ai-strategy-summit#product_tab_registration

#CEC2026 is not one-size-fits-all—and that’s exactly the point. With hundreds of sessions, topics, and learning formats, you can build a personalized experience that aligns with your interests, goals, and the students you serve. Join us in SLC: https://cecconvention.org/

What will it take to strengthen special education for students and educators? Hear from leaders on how funding, innovation, and workforce solutions can build a better future for all learners. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/building-better-future-funding-tech-and-special-education-workforce

Lead IDEA’s Communities of Practice bring together state, local, and school-level leaders committed to working together to build and sustain high-quality special education and early intervention programming. Learn more and register: https://lead-idea.org/idea-leadership-communities-practice

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

Join Language Dynamics Group and CEC for an exclusive webinar on structured literacy for language using oral narratives. Register now: https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/products/live-webinar-structured-literacy-for-language

We would like to congratulate Rebecca Saunders, CEC's Teacher of the Year! Thank you to Let's Go Learn for sponsoring CEC's Teacher of the Year. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/hayes-hs-teacher-named-special-ed-teacher-year

Join us on January 28 and discover how AI can meaningfully and responsibly strengthen your day-to-day practice in special education. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/artificial-intelligence-ai-strategy-summit#product_tab_registration

AI continues to make waves, with innovations, applications, and concerns emerging nearly daily. #CEC2026 offers you a variety of opportunities to equip you with the AI knowledge and skillsets you need to keep up in a rapidly changing landscape.  cecconvention.org/blog/staying...

We cover the role of the U.S. Department of Education in leveling the playing field for children – and why we must fight to keep the Department intact w/ @cecmembership.bsky.social momsrising.org/bt08dec25

Start the year off right by investing in your professional growth. CEC’s upcoming events and opportunities are designed to support special educators at every stage. Explore what’s ahead and make 2026 a year of learning, leadership, and impact. https://exceptionalchildren.org/events

Join CEC and Dr. Tommie Mabry for an exciting, interactive session on building stronger, more connected learning environments for students receiving special education services. https://learn.exceptionalchildren.org/webinar-counter-geniuses-see-the-able-not-the-label#product_tab_session_overview

Happy New Year from the Council for Exceptional Children! 🎆As we welcome 2026, CEC remains dedicated to advocating for the field of special education. We are committed to ensuring that every infant, toddler, child, and youth has access to a high-quality, inclusive public education.

Please join CEC in welcoming President Elect Concetta Lewis, Treasurer David Royer, and Members-at-Large Adam Moore, Precios M. Armstrong, and Wendy Gonzales to our Board of Directors. https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/cec-announces-new-president-treasurer-and-board-members