What is the Leadership Institute?

The Leadership Institute is the Council for Exceptional Children’s premier professional development and networking event for component presidential-line leaders. This two-day, in-person experience brings together volunteer leaders from across the U.S. and Canada to strengthen leadership skills, collaborate on shared goals, and return home energized with practical tools to advance their communities and the field of special education.

This event is your opportunity to connect with CEC Headquarters staff and fellow leaders, gain valuable insights into the year ahead, and help shape the future of CEC and special education. Because your leadership transition is so important, we strongly encourage the President-elect to use one of the two complimentary registrations provided, ensuring you are fully prepared to hit the ground running when you become President.

For the second complimentary registration, we highly recommend sending either your Membership Chair or Communications Chair. Much of the programming directly supports these roles and will equip them with practical tools, strategies, and resources that can immediately strengthen your Unit’s engagement, communication, and overall effectiveness.

Why Attend?

• Grow Your Leadership
  Gain actionable strategies and resources to guide your Unit or Division with confidence and clarity.
   
• Plan for Impact
  Engage in meaningful planning sessions that prepare you for success in the year ahead.
   
• Build Your Network
  Forge powerful connections with fellow leaders facing similar challenges and opportunities.
   
• Strengthen Your Voice
  Collaborate directly with CEC leadership and help inform national initiatives.

Who Should Attend?

The Leadership Institute is designed for:

• Current component presidential-line members (i.e., President, President-elect)
• Strongly encouraged: At least one president/president-elect representing each component.
• Optional: Chapter (Local or Student) and Subdivision Presidents and Presidents-elect