CEC Announces Danielle M. Kovach, Ed.D., as 2021 President-Elect
Arlington, Va. ― The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is pleased to announce that Danielle M. Kovach, Ed.D., was named 2021 CEC President-Elect. Danielle will assume the presidency on Jan. 1, 2022, overseeing CEC’s committees and Board of Directors and providing critical leadership on the organization’s planning and programs.
Danielle is a third-grade special education teacher at Tulsa Trail School and adjunct professor for special education at Centenary University in New Jersey. Knowing she wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl, she began her teaching career in 1997 and has taught both general and special education across a wide range of settings. Danielle was named the 2011 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, as well as the 2011 Sussex County Teacher of the Year and 2011 Hopatcong Teacher of the Year. In 2012, she was awarded a national teaching title, the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.
“My role as a special educator taught me how to praise the process, challenge the impossible, and celebrate the victories. Those experiences inspire me to advocate for children with exceptionalities and to support the educators who serve them,” said Danielle. “I am honored and excited to continue CEC’s legacy of inclusiveness to meet the needs of all diverse learners.”
Danielle has a long history as a CEC leader and volunteer, serving on CEC’s Board of Directors and countless committees. She was also recognized as the 2014 Council for Exceptional Children Teacher of the Year. As a testament to her leadership and dedication to the field, Danielle was recently featured in the New York Times, NPR, Special Ed Connection®, and the national news to discuss how special educators are supporting their students during COVID-19.
“Danielle brings a breadth of experience, passion, and expertise to the role that uniquely positions her to serve CEC and our members,” said CEC President Dr. Jennifer Lesh. “With her endless talent and enthusiasm, there is no doubt that we will continue our important work of making a difference for children and youth with exceptionalities.”
After receiving her B.S. in special education and elementary education from Kutztown University, Danielle went on to earn her first master’s degree in special education from East Stroudsburg University—followed by a second master’s degree in educational technology from New Jersey City University. In 2017, she completed her doctorate degree in special education from Walden University.
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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the leading association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children and youth with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development.