Exceptional Children’s Week (ECW) took place from May 1-7. The members of the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children (ICEC) used this opportunity to celebrate and promote awareness of children and youth with exceptionalities. ICEC is a professional organization that supports acceptance and understanding of students with special learning and behavioral needs as well as provide professional development to special educators and related service personnel. Here are some of the ways students were celebrated: Monday, May 1: Monday Musings – Read a story or see a film featuring exceptional children and youth. Tuesday, May 2: Talk About it Tuesday – Use social media to spread advocacy and awareness of children and youth with exceptionalities. Wednesday, May 3: Wacky Socks Wednesday – Wear your wackiest socks! Thursday, May 4: Thankful Thursday – Write a note to your favorite teacher, mentor, student, or caregiver. Friday, May 5: Friendship Friday – Share your favorite activity with a person with special learning and behavior needs. Saturday, May 6: Saturday Stroll – Invite a person with a disability and his/her family to go for a long or short walk on a favorite local trail or walking route. Sunday, May 7: Sunday Smiles – How about ice cream? Invite a person with a disability to join you for a special treat. Thank you for celebrating students with exceptionalities, their teachers, and their families.
Can you believe March is almost over! I attended the Annual CEC Convention in Louisville, KY, March 1-4, 2023. For me, the most memorable moments at the Convention include meeting so many of our ICEC colleagues there. In addition, I appreciated the opening session which invited active audience participation, the many break-out sessions that were packed with new ideas and innovative information. For example, have you considered the potential role of siblings of students with special needs in transition planning? Other memorable events include the Awards Luncheon and the Yes, I Can Awards celebration. The entire event was enhanced by the Convention app that made communication among colleagues so easy. You can still participate in the CEC Convention 2023. The innovative Virtual CEC Convention begins on April 25, 2023. See details in the following link: Council for Exceptional Children | The premier association for special education professionals (cecconvention.org) Please note that the ever engaging and friend of ICEC, Dr. Marilyn Friend is back and she will present Virtual Workshop 23 - Teachers Lead the Way: Communication & Collaboration from 11:00 am-1:00 p.m. ET. Did you know CEC has 5 Foundations? These are special areas where you can donate to CEC special projects. These include the Advocacy Fund, Diversity, Fund for the Future, Rising Stars, and the Yes, I Can Fund. Donate to a cause that is dear to you today! Finally, CEC is offering ALL student teachers, that is, all special and general educators a free six month membership! Student Teacher Support | Council for Exceptional Children.
The ICEC 73rd Annual Fall Convention November 3-5, 2022 was an outstanding professional experience. Special educators, related service providers, teacher educators, preservice special educators, administrators, policy makers, parents, and special education advocates attended this Convention. Presentations and posters addressed this year’s theme "Forging Resilience, Building Positive Outcomes For ALL." Convention presenters addressed legal updates, academic and behavior development, co-teaching, collaboration, collaborative partnerships, protecting and enhancing special educators’ and students’ health, safety, and motivation, and so much more. Dr. Cheryl Watkins and Dr. Ozalle Toms inspired all who had the good fortune to be present during their keynote addresses. We hosted more than 20 exhibitors, honored professional and student accomplishments, and so much more. Thank you again for your generous participation – I, E. Paula Crowley, President if ICEC greatly appreciate and warmly welcome your assistance, support, and participation. Let’s begin our planning for the 74th Annual ICEC Fall Convention, November 2-4, 2023, at the Chicago Marriott Hotel, Naperville.
