Abstract
Ninety-nine years ago, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) was organized by a group of educators attending a summer session at Teachers College, Columbia University. While our community may have grown a bit from the original 12 members in 1922, there’s one thing that has never changed: You. You are still fierce advocates spearheading change and the driving force behind everything we do.
As we count down to our official 100th Anniversary on August 10, 2022, we figured there was no better way to celebrate and show our impact than going back to where it all began. That’s why we’re excited to share the following opportunities to showcase our community and come together to bring in our 100th year.
100 Years, 100 Stories
As we enter our 100th year of leading special education, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is recognizing exceptional educators from around the world who have shown a passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the students who they teach. Hear from teachers about their personal experiences working in the field, and get inspired to make your own impact this year. Stories will be posted to the 100 Stories blog on https://exceptionalchildren.org/100/stories and on our social media accounts with the hashtag #CEC100Stories.
100th Anniversary Convention Activities
Several special events are planned for the CEC 2022 Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida, January 16 – 19, 2022
A few of the current and upcoming teachers profiled in the 100 stories project. Clockwise from top left Angela Schooner, Anna Brown, Benjamin Tillotson, Katie Billmeier. Read more about each at the CEC website.
On Monday, join the Legacy Leadership Luncheon, a sit-down lunch and program to celebrate and honor the work done by thousands of volunteers and leaders over the years. This is a chance for former, current, and future volunteers to celebrate a legacy of leadership that has supported CEC and the field.
On Tuesday night celebrate 100 years of CEC and special education with food, drinks, music, fun, and networking at the Birthday Bash.
We’ll have more activities and highlights in person and online over the coming year. Find out the latest updates at https://exceptionalchildren.org/convention/special-events and https://exceptionalchildren.org/100
Getting Involved in the Celebration
CEC’s roots are deep, and they include much work by individuals and by groups, such as divisions, units and chapters of CEC. As we approach the 100th Anniversary of the Council for Exceptional Children, we want to ask you and/or your group to think of ways you can participate in the following areas:
Honoring the history and integrity of the organization’s achievements
Celebrating the inclusiveness of its membership and mission
Highlighting and advancing the CEC’s visionary thinking and actions to improve the lives of individuals with exceptionalities and their families and to support the professionals who serve them
For more ideas, visit https://exceptionalchildren.org/100/celebrate.