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 among other education professionals who understand your day-to-day realities.
CEC is where 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 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
- 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 premiums 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.