Join the CEC Board of Directors

About the Nominations Process

TIMELINE

NOMINATIONS PROCESS

STEP 1 - Assess Eligibility

• Must have or recently had employment in the field of education
• Must be a current CEC Member
• Must have Division, Unit or Chapter volunteer experience in CEC

STEP 2 - Complete Application

• One-page CV, Resume or Bio Sketch
• Answer four questions (250 words each)
  • Discuss why you want to run for the CEC BOD and share a goal you have for the organization.
  • CEC’s Board contributes meaningfully to the mission at a governance level rath­er than an operational one. What leadership experiences within CEC (student and/or local chapter, state/provincial unit, special interest divisions or state/provincial subdivision, CEC international committee/workgroup) have prepared you to lead in this capacity?
  • Board members must engage in strategic thinking, advocacy, and collective decision-making. Describe a time you influenced change related to special education, equity, or inclusion. What was your role, and what did you learn from the experience?
  • CEC is committed to diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility. Discuss your com­mitment to DEIA.

STEP 3 - Committee Interview

• Semi-finalists will sit for a 30-minute virtual interview with members of the nomi¬nations committee

STEP 4 - Membership Vote

• A slate of finalists is presented to the membership for voting in October. Candi¬dates may, within guidelines, campaign for votes during this time.

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

• determining the organizations mission and purposes and advocating for them
• selecting, supporting and evaluating the chief executive
• ensuring effective visionary planning
• monitoring and strengthening programs and services
• ensuring adequate financial resources (including approving the annual budget)
• protecting assets and providing financial oversight
• building and sustaining a competent and diverse board
• ensuring legal and ethical integrity
• enhancing the organization’s public standing
   

TIME COMMITMENT

Note: CEC covers travel and sub coverage costs

• Three In-Person Board Meetings Per YearMarch (at CEC Convention)
• July (prior to Special Education Legislative Summit)
• November (weekend in early November)
• Occasional virtual meetings are held, usually in the evenings
• 2-3 hours per month communicating and providing input
   

BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

• support the fund-raising and financial interest of CEC
• represent the best interests of the membership in board dialogue and delibera­tions
• know the organization’s mission, programs, product lines and services
• understand the strategic plan and the needs of the organization
• leverage connections, networks, and resources to help achieve the organization’s mission
• support and protect a leadership culture that values all aspects of diversity
• actively help with board succession planning by identifying well-qualified and diverse potential leaders to strengthen the leadership pipeline
• commit to learning about issues before the board
• commit to working effectively within a collective decision-making body
• be actively involved in deliberations and ask clarifying questions
• faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements and other­wise help the board to fulfill its fiduciary responsibility
• suggest agenda items for board meetings to ensure that significant matters are discussed
• make data-driven decisions based on information rather than opinion
• provide input or assistance relative to board or organizational initiatives when requested by the President or Executive Director
• participate in the evaluation of the executive director
• assume other responsibilities as may be assigned by the President
• understand the difference between the responsibilities of board members and staff