Leadership in Action: Reflections from the 2024-25 Leadership CEC Cohort

Every year, each Leadership CEC cohort gathers  new and emerging leaders, nominated by units and divisions from across the country—each bringing their unique journey, perspective, and passion for advancing the field of special education. The program is intended to strengthen the pool of individuals to serve as future unit and division leaders, learning opportunities are designed for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the CEC organization, its resources (for both individuals and units/divisions), supports available for units/divisions, and leadership functions and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities).Through collaboration, introspection, and dialogue, this experience deepens participants’ commitment to leadership, broadens their understanding of organizational impact, and builds lasting professional networks. 

We recently asked the outgoing 2024-25 cohort to reflect on their experience. Their responses offer a powerful glimpse into the impact of Leadership CEC, the value of connection, and the realities of serving as a leader in today’s educational landscape. 

What was the most important or impactful takeaway from the program? 

From hearing diverse leadership journeys to facing hard questions about purpose and access, participants appreciated the chance to reflect and grow: 

• “It was grounding—it made me think metacognitively about why I seek leadership roles in CEC.”
• “Hearing each other’s paths to leadership reminded me that there are so many opportunities.” 
• “Hearing testimonies from other leaders helped me feel more connected and motivated.” 
• “I was inspired by the conversation around attending the Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS). I'm even more excited to go!.”
• “It was helpful to talk openly about both the expectations and barriers to taking on leadership roles.” 
• “Learning what CEC means to others was powerful—it deepens your own commitment.” 

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your CEC leadership role? 

Leadership comes in many forms. For these members, pride shows up in everything from policy work to simply making meetings happen: 

• “I’m proud of establishing a regular board meeting for our Unit—it’s the little things that matter!” 
• “Connecting early career teachers and teacher educators to CEC is why I’ve stayed involved for so long.” 
• “I’m proud of our work on the Mission, Vision, and Values for the Division for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD) and our updates to the conference proposal system.” 
• “I’m excited about focusing on state policy  and advocacy and its potential to create lasting change.” 
• “As a Leadership CEC participant and a Convention Program Advisory Committee Co-Chair for the 2026 and 2027 CEC conventions, I’m taking a deep dive into how CEC works—and I’m loving it.” 
• “Being asked to serve and learning more about membership—it’s been a valuable journey.” 

What are some challenges you’ve faced in your CEC leadership roles? 

Even the most passionate leaders face obstacles. From managing time to navigating team dynamics, the cohort shared these honest reflections: 

• “Time is a challenge. We’re all juggling a lot, but I stay committed because I believe in the mission.” 
• “It’s tough when team members have different values or priorities—learning how to compromise is key.” 
• “Time commitment is real. It’s easy to forget we’re all volunteers.” 
• “Money! We have it, but the challenge is accessing and managing it effectively.” 
• “Financials have been difficult for our unit.” 
• “Sometimes I feel stuck and worry I’m not accomplishing much in my unit.” 

What have been the benefits of participating in Leadership CEC—personally and professionally? 

Each response below captures the transformational power of Leadership CEC: 

• “Connecting with others through Leadership CEC really encouraged me that I am not alone in leadership! As a brand-new Unit leader, hearing all the ins and outs of CEC and being able to network with others with similar successes and challenges makes me a better leader.” 
• “Leadership CEC was deeply impactful—enhancing my confidence and ability to serve with purpose. The talented and diverse CEC colleagues broadened my perspective and equipped me for the next step in my leadership journey.” 
• “CEC, and especially the divisions I’m active in, have become my academic home. I’ve built wonderful relationships, learned from others across the globe, and shared countless resources and ideas.” 
• “There’s power in joining a community of like-minded colleagues. Leadership CEC gives us space to collaborate, ask questions, and work together for the betterment of the students we serve.” 
• “I love having a community that understands my job, my celebrations, and my challenges!” 
• “The Leadership CEC experience has been refreshing—I’ve really learned a lot.” 

Final Thoughts 

Leadership at CEC isn’t about holding a title. It’s about lifting others, advocating for change, and strengthening the future of special education—one connection, one challenge, one step at a time. This year’s cohort reminds us that leadership is a shared journey, and there’s space for every voice to grow, learn, and lead. 

Nominations for the 2026-27 cohort will be solicited from unit and division presidents in early 2026. For questions, please contact Sharon Rodriguez, Director of Governance and Executive Services.