Elevating Special Education: Insights from Ben Tillotson, President Elect
As the CEC looks ahead, Ben Tillotson, our 2025 President Elect, shares his vision for enhancing education for exceptional learners. We recently met with Ben to discuss key areas that will shape the future of special education. Here’s a glimpse into his insights on inclusion, community engagement, and the need for authentic support for educators and families.
The Role of Community Partnerships
Community engagement plays a pivotal role in supporting exceptional children. Ben believes that strong partnerships with local organizations can significantly enhance resources and support systems. For instance, he envisions collaboration with local law enforcement to provide training on how to interact with individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all community members are informed and prepared. “CEC can strengthen these relationships by actively collaborating with community stakeholders, ensuring that every child has access to the support they need,” he explains. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of partnerships with corporations, suggesting that placing special educators in businesses can facilitate project management and skill development for individuals with disabilities. Building these connections fosters a holistic approach to education, benefiting both students and families by bridging a current employment gap involving students with exceptionalities and job opportunities.
Integrating Research and Innovation
Ben advocates for the integration of research and innovative practices in classrooms. He challenges traditional methods, such as overly controlling approaches, including the use of token economy boards, which can inadvertently belittle students by treating them like they need to be rewarded for basic tasks. “We need to include students in the learning process and consider their voices,” he stresses. This approach aligns with current research advocating for respectful, individualized support rather than compliance-driven methods. By focusing on meaningful engagement and respect for boundaries, educators can create an environment that empowers exceptional learners rather than merely controlling their behavior.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
In supporting exceptional children, it’s crucial to empower parents and caregivers. Ben highlights the need for initiatives that provide practical guidance on advocacy, emphasizing the importance of building strong partnerships with families. “We often inform parents but fall short in supporting them with the ‘how,’” he says, pointing out that many parents feel confused when it comes to navigating educational systems. By offering workshops and training sessions for parents, he believes CEC can equip them with the tools they need to advocate effectively for their children. Additionally, Ben stresses the importance of fostering transparent communication between educators and families to remove barriers that may hinder collaboration. By creating a supportive environment where parents feel validated and empowered, we can address the needs of all stakeholders and work together for the benefit of exceptional learners.
Addressing Diversity and Equity
Ben is committed to tackling issues of diversity and equity within special education. He urges us to recognize and celebrate individual identities and cultures, rather than minimizing differences. “Equity doesn’t mean erasing cultural identities; it means embracing and valuing them,” he explains. By examining cultural differences and truly understanding their implications in the classroom, educators can create inclusive environments that honor diversity.
Enhancing Membership Engagement
To ensure that CEC members’ voices are heard, Ben emphasizes the importance of active engagement. “As a servant leader, I rely on the knowledge and expertise of our members,” he states. He envisions creating enjoyable and meaningful experiences, such as partnerships with local boards of education to host events at the annual convention. By collaborating with these boards, he believes CEC can provide training sessions that are accessible to a wider audience, allowing educators to share insights and best practices. This approach not only fosters a sense of belonging among members but also strengthens community ties and collaboration, ensuring that every voice contributes to the collective mission of supporting exceptional learners.
Vision for a Community Podcast
One of Ben’s exciting initiatives is the creation of a podcast aimed at fostering open conversations within the special education community. “I want to be real and honest about what it means to be a special educator,” he shares. His aim is that the podcast will feature diverse voices from educators, parents, and students, providing insights and discussions that reflect the realities of the field. He envisions the podcast as a platform for collaboration among educators and stakeholders. By building bridges between various sectors—such as education, law enforcement, and community organizations—he believes we can create a more inclusive society. “We need to work together to prepare individuals with disabilities for meaningful employment and community involvement,” he concludes.
Moving Forward
As Ben Tillotson steps into his role as President, his vision for CEC is clear: to advocate for and empower exceptional learners, educators, and families through inclusive practices, community partnerships, and a commitment to diversity. He believes that together, we can redefine the landscape of special education and ensure that every child can succeed. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey!