Why Join?
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is your professional home as a special educator. It’s where you can ask questions and share ideas with other education professionals who understand your day-to-day realities.
At CEC, you’ll find books, journals, webinars, advocacy, and events tailored to your professional needs. Whether that’s teaching children with exceptionalities, running a special education program, researching education topics, or training the next generation of special educators, CEC has your back.
Why Join CEC?
Whether you're a student teacher-candidate, an early career professional, a seasoned professional, training the next generation of educators, or administrating special education programs, we're here for you. With a broad range of benefits to supplement your professional development, we have the tools and resources you need to support you from college to retirement.
CEC Membership Benefits
Professional development you can trust:
- Discounts on books and CEC products, as well as CEC’s Annual Convention & Expo
- Selection of free, member-only pre-recorded and live webinars through the CEC Learning Library
- Evidence-based professional development opportunities from leading experts in the field
- Access to CEC's award-winning journals, TEACHING Exceptional Children and Exceptional Children
Support from connections, peers, and community:
- Access to our exclusive CECommunity All Member Forum
- Complimentary, automatic membership in your local CEC Unit
- Option to join Special Interest Divisions (additional investment required)
Protection for your practice and your profession:
- Discounted premium insurance policies and plans
- Regular policy updates and access to advocacy opportunities
Membership Categories
Select the membership category that’s right for you!
Current undergraduate or graduate students who have not yet worked as a professional. Student membership is not available to those professionals seeking additional degrees or certifications. Student memberships include a Student Educator Professional Liability Insurance policy for up to $1 million of coverage (eligibility requirements apply.)
Special or general education professionals with more than three years of professional experience and interested parties. All are welcome — classroom, itinerant, resource teachers, support personnel, researchers, faculty; administrators, family members, retired professionals, and others.