CEC Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award

This award recognizes an individual who has made continued and sustained contributions to positive outcomes for children and youth with exceptionalities. Nomination and Eligibility Information Nominate Now

The CEC Teacher of the Year Award

This award recognizes a CEC member teacher who currently provides instruction to students with exceptionalities and is an outstanding member of the profession. His or her work exemplifies the best in special education teaching and reflects significant, documented positive outcomes for students, continued professional development, and the highest standards of educational quality. Nomination and Eligibility Information Nominate Now

The CEC Special Education Research Award

This award recognizes a CEC member whose research has had a direct impact on practice, programs, or policy needs and has improved positive outcomes for children and youth with exceptionalities. Nomination and Eligibility Information Nominate Now

The Outstanding CEC Leadership Award

This award honors a CEC member who has made significant contributions to the Council’s programs and activities at the local, state/provincial, and national/international level over an extended period of time. Nomination and Eligibility Information Nominate Now

The CEC Business Award

This award recognizes a business/organization that has promoted and provided for the enhancement, awareness, and inclusion of individuals with exceptionalities to support their full participation within the community. This award is not currently accepting nominations.

THE CEC OUTSTANDING STUDENT CHAPTER ADVISOR AWARD – NEW AWARD!

This award recognizes a college/university CEC Student Chapter Advisor who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to engaging students in their CEC Chapter and guiding their educational, personal, and professional development in the field of special education. Nomination and Eligibility Information Nominate Now

THE CEC SPECIAL EDUCATOR RISING STAR AWARD – NEW AWARD!

This award recognizes a CEC member teacher who is in the first five years of their special education career who has shown exceptional potential for leadership in teaching, service, and/or scholarship. Nomination and Eligibility Information Nominate Now

Congratulations to the 2021 Professional Awards winners, who were honored at CEC L.I.V.E., the 2021 virtual Convention & Expo: The CEC Lifetime Achievement Award: Cynthia Okolo, Ph.D., Michigan State University The CEC Special Education Research Award: Linda Mason, Ph.D., George Mason University The CEC Teacher of the Year Award: Srinivas Panela, Halifax County Schools, NC To learn more about the recipients, read our Press Release. View the Award Presentation Videos The CEC Lifetime Achievement Award The CEC Special Education Research Award The CEC Teacher of the Year Award

Professional Awards

About CEC Professional Awards

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Professional Awards give us a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to advance the field and the quality of special education, as well as move CEC forward in significant ways. Information about the 2024 awards will be available in the fall.

Questions? Contact the staff liaison to the Honors Committee

A list of past award recipients can be found at the bottom of the page for each individual award.

Professional Awards Categories
The CEC Teacher of the Year Award This award recognizes a CEC member teacher who currently provides instruction to students with exceptionalities and is an outstanding member of the profession. His or her work exemplifies the best in special education teaching and reflects significant, documented positive outcomes for students, continued professional development, and the highest standards of educational quality.	Learn More
The CEC Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award This award recognizes a college/university CEC Student Chapter Advisor who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to engaging students in their CEC Chapter and guiding their educational, personal, and professional development in the field of special education.	Learn More
The CEC Special Educator Rising Star Award This award recognizes a CEC member teacher who is in the first five years of their special education career who has shown exceptional potential for leadership in teaching, service, and/or scholarship.	Learn More
The CEC Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award This award recognizes an individual who has made continued and sustained contributions to positive outcomes for children and youth with exceptionalities.	Learn More
The CEC Special Education Research Award This award recognizes a CEC member whose research has had a direct impact on practice, programs, or policy needs and has improved positive outcomes for children and youth with exceptionalities.	Learn More
The Outstanding CEC Leadership Award This award honors a CEC member who has made significant contributions to the Council’s programs and activities at the local, state/provincial, and national/international level over an extended period of time.	Learn More

Questions? Please contact Sharon Rodriguez at srodriguez@exceptionalchildren.org.

Last Updated: 1 February, 2023