Access For All: Free CEC Membership for New Members

CEC members get access to many resources to help them on their professional journey. 

• Networking: Expand your professional network by joining your local and regional Unit, posting on the CECommunity forum, joining a Special Interest Division, and exploring our Partner Solutions Directory. 

• Tools & Resources: Access free on-demand webinars, courses, workshops, and more on CEC’s Learning Library, explore resources created by fellow CEC members in the Exceptional Teacher Resource Repository, find the perfect job opportunity in the Career Center, and get amazing rates on books and specialty items in the CEC Store.  

• Professional Development: Earn CEUs and expand your knowledge with professional development opportunities like webinars, attend CEC’s Convention and Expo, and use our online learning resources. 

• Get the Latest Information & Research: CEC will keep you on the cutting edge of the latest information and resources from the special education field. Members get access to our professional journals: TEACHING Exceptional Children and Exceptional Children. Get familiar with the essential High-Leverage Practices, 22 practices that every K-12 special educator should master and be able to demonstrate.  

• Policy & Advocacy: Stand up for education and add your voice to CEC’s advocacy efforts. CEC members get our weekly newsletter with information on the latest policy updates that impact the field. CEC’s Legislative Action Center makes contacting your elected representatives about the issues you care about as easy as a few minutes and clicks. Join fellow CEC members in DC for our Special Education Legislative Summit, where you will learn about advocacy and meet with Members of Congress to share what’s really happening with special education.  

• Standards & Accreditation: Access CEC’s Professional Standards, which define the specialized expertise special education professionals must master for safe and effective practice. CEC partners with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to review and recognize programs that meet our standards.  

Who Should Join? 

CEC membership offers you a range of resources and flexibility to suit your needs and role. 

• Special Educators: CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. You’ll be in great company. 

• General Educators: CEC is not just for special educators! In today’s classrooms, it’s more important than ever for general education teachers to understand the needs of all students, including those who require special education services. Show up for ALL your students with the tools and resources CEC membership provides. 

• Paraeducators: Paraeducators serve a critically important role in special education, and CEC is here for you. Access resources to bolster your work or prepare for the next steps in your career. 

• Administrators: CEC provides many resources for administrators. Often tasked with juggling many different tasks, including special education programs and services, administrators can benefit from CEC’s resources curated for their role! 

• Pre-Service and Graduate Students: Special education is one of the most rewarding careers, and CEC’s memberships are designed to grow with you throughout your academic studies and beyond.  

• Retired Professionals: Your work in the field has been immensely impactful—it doesn’t have to stop there. CEC’s retired members offer education professionals with essential insight and expertise that helps usher in a stronger workforce. 

• Family & Friends: CEC welcomes individuals interested in special education but not employed in any field of education and/or special education to become members. Stay current on the latest information and add your unique perspectives.