CEC’s Diversity Leadership Academy

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.

Program Purpose: 

• To support members from racially diverse backgrounds/underrepresented ethnic groups that have been historically under-represented in the professions of special education;
• To provide focused educational programming and activities to build and enhance leadership skills;
• To provide an opportunity for program participants to interact with mentors in the professions of special education.

Professional Development and Training

Scholars will participate in interactive sessions on a variety of topics including the following:

• Critical Issues in Special Education
• Culturally Sustaining Leadership: Practical Strategies for Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy in the Curriculum
• Leading with Courage
• Sustaining Leaders by Honoring our Mental Health
• Building Influence with Others and developing Partnerships with Communities and Families
• Culturally Sustaining Advocacy 
• Culturally Sustaining Practice in Action

Networking & Building Community

Participants will join an exclusive cohort of Diversity Leadership Academy participants, providing an opportunity to participate in quarterly facilitated discussions that provide an in-depth exploration of current DEI issues and trends that impact the special education field and professionals.

Mentoring

Each participant will be matched with a mentor and engage in monthly one-on-one sessions. The mentor will serve as a resource for professional development and career advice for the program participant.

Program Dates

The 2026-2027 Diversity Leadership Academy cohort will begin in January 2026 and conclude in November 2027. 

Award Package

Program participants will receive a travel reimbursement of up to $500, four nights hotel lodging, and complimentary registration to the CEC 2026 Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition, there may be special opportunities provided for networking and mentoring at the in-person convention. In addition to the convention, CEC will provide a one-year professional membership in CEC and the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL).