CEC Awards and Programs
At the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), we know special educators rarely receive the overwhelming appreciation they deserve.
From groundbreaking research to exemplary teaching practices, our award programs are a chance to celebrate the educators—and students—who are making a difference in special education.
Contact information for questions about any of the award categories can be found in the relevant section below.
Learn about the prohibition on the use of AI tools in our awards and related programs.
Professional Awards
![professional awards](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2023-03/cec_conference8148.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=rHtEip_Z)
Our Professional Awards recognize special educators who have advanced the field and the quality of special education service, as well as CEC members whose contributions have moved the Council forward in significant ways.
Yes I Can Awards
![red shirt and smile](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2022-09/6s5a9879382220118181359.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=-nlQUfou)
The Yes I Can Awards recognize the accomplishments of children and youth with exceptionalities (ages 3-21) in six categories: Academics, Arts, School and Community Activities, Self-Advocacy, Technology, and Transition.
Student Awards
![two people and award](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2023-03/cec_conference8072_1.jpg?h=bf49621c&itok=4KI0SXKK)
Our Student Awards recognize CEC student members who have made outstanding contributions to the organization and to children with exceptionalities.
Emerging Special Educators of Color Leadership Travel Award
![A group of 6 African-American woman standing and smiling in the CEC 2020 Expo Hall](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2021-09/CEC%202020%20PDX_6%20african%20american%20woman%2C%20mixed%20ages%2C%20standing%20group%20shot%20in%20Expo%20Hall.jpg?h=8c1732c5&itok=O6XY50JZ)
CEC invites CEC members to submit an application for the Emerging Special Educators of Color Leadership Travel Awards to attend the annual convention.
The CEC Impact Award
![Building Resilience in Special Educators](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2020-08/WEB1701A.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=p7z_N3iT)
The CEC Impact Award recognizes an individual or community/corporate organization that has had an impact on CEC’s strategic work.
CEC’s Diversity Leadership Academy
![Co-Planning: The Key to Student Success in the Co-Taught Classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2020-08/WEB1607A.jpg?h=bc577934&itok=reNjMgDU)
The Diversity Leadership Academy is a substantive professional development program established for special education professionals who share a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of special education.
Legacy Proclamations
![Photo of a legacy proclamation 2024 recipient](/sites/default/files/styles/grid_content_385x215/public/2024-04/legacy_proclamation_2024_wide.png?h=28d8d675&itok=N4IRyXce)
CEC Legacy Proclamations honor outstanding CEC members who have led and notably contributed to The Council’s various components (chapters, units, divisions, subdivisions), and national governing bodies and have significantly influenced the field throughout a lifelong career.