
The 1st Annual Illinois Council for Exceptional Children Yes I Can! Awards for Northern Region IV Chapter #336 took place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the District 219 Bridges Adult Transition Program in Lincolnwood, Illinois. Over 40 students were presented with this prestigious recognition in the areas of, Artistic, Self-Advocacy, School Community, Social Emotional, Technology, and Transition. Families, students, and school staff attended the awards presentation, enjoyed refreshments and snacks, participated in our photo booth, and had the opportunity to connect. The following regional school districts participated and nominated students: District 31, District 60, District 70, District 95, District 125, District 128, District 157, District 211, District 214, District 219, and New Connections Academy, South Campus. Please consider nominating your students for 2024!

It is time to start planning for the CEC 2023 Convention and Expo, March 1-4, 2023. This is a professional event that brings together special educators and all related professional personnel from all over the world. Just imagine: Over 500 posters and concurrent sessions; two general sessions and the Yes I Can Awards; access to the Expo Hall with hundreds of exhibitors; option to add on Convention Workshops on Wednesday, March 1 or Saturday, March 4; option to add on Virtual Convention at a 50% discount; Virtual Convention; Access to live virtual sessions selected from the in-person programs on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 25 and 26; and access to more than 40 hours of curated on-demand content from the “best of the best” in-person convention sessions, accessible for 6 months. Register today and see more details on the CEC website: https://exceptionalchildren.org/

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.