Cornelius, Freeman-Green, and Williamson Named New Editors of CEC’s TEACHING Exceptional Children Journal

Arlington, Va. ― Beginning in July 2023, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) will welcome Kyena Cornelius, Ed.D , Shaqwana Freeman-Green, Ph.D., and Pamela Williamson, Ph.D. as the new editor team for its research-to-practice journal, TEACHING Exceptional Children (TEC). 

Their team represents diversity through research focus, geographical area, and lived experiences. 

"We believe bringing these diverse experiences together would help to craft the future of the Nation’s premier special education practitioner journal,” say the new co-editors in a joint statement. 

Cornelius has 19 combined years of experience teaching in P-12 and higher education. She has taught students with disabilities both nationally and internationally. Her research focus centers around teacher preparation and new teacher induction. She is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and President-Elect of CEC’s Teacher Education Division. 

Freeman-Green has 17 combined years of experience in secondary and postsecondary education. Her research focuses on teacher preparation and STEM. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Exceptional, Deaf, and Interpreter Education at the University of North Florida (UNF).  

Williamson has 19 years combined years of experience working in P-12 settings and higher education. She worked within comprehensive teacher preparation programs in special and deaf education in three states. Her research interests include reading and autism. Dr. Williamson is currently a Professor in the Department of Exceptional, Deaf, and Interpreter Education at the University of North Florida.  

“We are excited to welcome a team of diverse individuals who are experienced practitioners and scholars to lead TEC,” said CEC President Dr. Andrea Jasper. “Their knowledge and experience regarding DEIA issues will assist in their ability to provide oversight of the journal and the production process. We are confident that this team will work to refine and improve TEC processes to ensure we meet the journal’s purpose and standards. As CEC continues the work to ensure inclusivity, equity, and justice across the organization, we are excited for what the future holds for the journal.” 

The selection follows an 8-month search and review process of several well-qualified editor teams.  

“On behalf of the CEC Board of Directors, I would like to thank Dr. Dawn Rowe for her service and her dedication to supporting and recruiting new voices to TEC over the last four years,” Jasper said. 

The team starts their tenure in July 2023 and succeeds Dawn Rowe, Ph.D. who has served as Editor of TEC since 2019. 

Media Contact: Annie Drinkard Director of Communications and Publications, Council for Exceptional Children adrinkard@exceptionalchildren.org