Dear Members of the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children, It is with great honor that I introduce myself as your incoming president. My name is Michael Edwards, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to serve in this esteemed role. Being chosen to lead this incredible organization is a privilege, and I am excited to work alongside all of you in advancing our shared mission. As a special education administrator at Springfield Public Schools, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the work we do for students, families, and educators. This perspective drives my commitment to our organization’s mission and the individuals we serve. As I step into this position, I am inspired by the remarkable legacy of leadership that has come before me. They have set a high standard for dedication, vision, and service to the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children. I hope to follow in their footsteps and continue the work of strengthening and growing this exceptional organization. The Illinois Council for Exceptional Children holds a vital role in the lives of the students we serve and the professionals who support them. Together, we advocate for and champion the rights, needs, and potential of every exceptional learner. This organization stands as a beacon of excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the field of special education, and I am committed to building upon that foundation.
Illinois was well represented among presenters and participants at the Annual CEC Convention in Baltimore, MD, March 12-15, 2025. Among the most memorable moments at the CEC Convention 2025 include participating with up to 6,000 of our CEC colleagues from all over the world at the Baltimore Convention Center; planned and unplanned meetings with our ICEC colleagues; two keynote sessions; the many break-out sessions that were packed with new ideas and innovative information; and an exhibit hall packed to the brim with special education innovations and supports. 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 are invited to participate in the CEC Virtual Convention 2025. Access to on-demand content begins on April 9, 2025 and will be available until July 9, 2025. The CEC Virtual Convention includes: Access to two keynote presentations titled “Beyond Silos: Creating a Culture of Collaboration to Empower Educators and Students” and a panel of experts who discuss “Envisioning Tomorrow for All Learners: AI Revolutionizing Education”; over 40 recorded presentations; access to session materials and handouts featuring a wide range of pertinent special education topics presented by national experts. 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, plans are already underway for the CEC Convention and Expo in Salt Lake City, UT, March 11-14, 2026. Mark your calendar today!
Exceptional Children’s Week May 1-7 began in ICEC Chapter 102 with the Exceptional Student and School Professional Awards Banquet. This evening of celebration took place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Erin’s Pavillion, Southwind Park, Springfield. The ICEC Chapter 102 Awards Banquet is an annual event now in its 14th year. Upon entering Erin’s Pavillion, built in 2010, the sound of music played by Ed Clark set the tone for this joyful celebration. Erin’s Pavillion is ADA accessible and provides an ideal setting for this event. Natural lighting provides for a panoramic view of nearby Lake Springfield. The Awards Banquet began with dinner at 5:30 p.m. featuring a generous supply of food and beverages for more than 200 guests. Music filled the air during friendly exchanges in acknowledgement and celebration of student and professional success. Michael Edwards, President of ICEC and member of ICEC Chapter 102 welcomed all in attendance, congratulated the award recipients and acknowledged their nominators, thanked the members of ICEC Chapter 102, the Southwind Park staff, sponsors, all who contributed in any way to make this memorable evening possible. Springfield 2025 Student Honorees Seventeen students were honored including Timothy Thomas, Khobie Francis, Logan Hamilton, Princess Duchworth, Jermaine Childs, Bree Wright, Daran Williams, Dallas Renier, Jesse Colantino, Tobias Cowhick, Simon Fulcher, Jermaine Turner, Azarian Crowder, E’Laijah Pye, Tyus Berry, DeShaun Marion, and Natalia Thomas. Professional Honorees Ten professionals were honored including Heidi Rajsky, Anna Bolt, Kerri Poland, Rita Masten, Michael Rasussen, Jennifer Oglesby, Stacie Marcum, Kayly Winchell, Kelly Underwood, and Darci Vespa.
