Anna Adl’s Pathway to Leadership: From the State Level to the CEC Board of Directors
If you’re looking to make a lasting impact in the field of special education, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) offers a clear and structured Pathway to Leadership. Serving on your unit or division board, or becoming involved in a CEC committee, can open doors to leadership positions within the organization—including eventually running for the Board of Directors and even the presidency. My journey with CEC is a perfect example of how taking small, strategic steps toward leadership can lead to transformative opportunities that benefit not only you but the entire special education community.
Getting Started: Local Engagement
My leadership journey began in an unexpected way. One day, I asked my former superintendent and CEC Past President, Dr. Jim Heiden, what I could do to challenge myself beyond my role as a classroom teacher. His advice? Get involved with the Wisconsin CEC Unit. Curious and eager to step out of my comfort zone, I attended the Wisconsin CEC’s annual meeting. During the event, the board was seeking nominations, and a fellow attendee nominated me for a Member-at-Large position. With no other candidates, I was elected, and just a year later, I was asked to take on the role of Treasurer.
Serving as Treasurer for Wisconsin CEC for 15 years was a profound learning experience. During that time, I became well-versed in budgeting, conducting audits, and supporting state-level conferences. But perhaps more importantly, it taught me what true leadership within CEC meant: collaboration, a commitment to our mission, and the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders.
The Value of Mentorship
One of the most significant lessons I learned during my time with Wisconsin CEC was the importance of mentorship. When I first joined the board, I was mentored by several retired special educators who had dedicated their careers to supporting the field of special education. As these mentors passed away, I began to realize the investment they made in me—not just to serve in my current role, but to ensure that I would one day be part of the future of this organization. It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about the present but about paving the way for future generations of educators, students, and families. Today, I am honored to continue that legacy by mentoring others who are interested in serving CEC.
Expanding Horizons: The Leadership Development Committee
After years of involvement at the state level, I was ready to take the next step. I applied for CEC’s inaugural Leadership Development Committee (LDC). This experience was a game-changer, both professionally and personally. Serving on the LDC exposed me to international collaboration, video conferencing, and cross-cultural discussions, all of which helped prepare me for the virtual teaching environment that we would soon face.
The LDC gave us a unique opportunity to craft leadership development programming that could serve CEC members from diverse backgrounds. We spent countless hours refining the board application process, revising scoring rubrics, and exploring leadership training programs and resources options that could truly meet the needs of CEC’s aspiring and emerging leaders who are nominated by their units and divisions. These efforts solidified my desire to contribute at an even higher level—by running for CEC’s Board of Directors.
From Local to International Leadership
The learning experiences I had from serving on Wisconsin CEC's board, coupled with my time on the LDC, prepared me for my transition to the CEC Board of Directors. Serving on the state board helped me understand the intricacies of budgeting, strategic planning, and governance. The LDC then provided me with a deeper understanding of CEC’s structure, finances, and the complex inner workings of the organization.
When I was elected to the Board of Directors, I was pleasantly surprised by the time commitment. It was far less than I had expected, especially compared to my work on the LDC. With this newfound time, I was able to engage deeply in board discussions and contribute meaningfully. As a practicing educator, I initially struggled with imposter syndrome, but I quickly realized that my voice and my experiences mattered. By speaking up at board meetings, I felt that I was representing other classroom special educators like myself.
Serving on the Board of Directors
One of my most significant contributions to the Board of Directors occurred during my first meeting. I recommended that the Policy Steering Committee write a position statement on the workload versus caseloads of special education teachers—an issue that remains a major challenge for many of us in the field. While this remains a work in progress, I’m proud to have contributed to this ongoing conversation that is so important for special educators everywhere.
A Call to Future Leaders
If you are passionate about shaping the future of special education and supporting your colleagues in the field, I encourage you to consider taking the first step toward leadership by getting involved at the unit or division level, or by applying for a committee position. These opportunities will not only provide valuable mentorship and experience but will also prepare you for roles at the national level, including CEC’s Board of Directors.
Leadership within CEC is a journey, not a destination. Each role you take on builds your skills, expands your network, and gives you a deeper understanding of how to make a meaningful impact within our field. By serving on a state board, division committee, or the Leadership Development Committee, you are building the foundation for future leadership opportunities. The pathway is there—are you ready to take the first step?
