Brand Story

CEC Brand Story

Organized by a group of educators attending the summer session at Teachers College, Columbia University, and their faculty members on August 10, 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) began with 12 members. Elizabeth E. Farrell, the founder and first President from 1922 to 1926, was focused on one thing: that every child, regardless of their abilities or challenges, deserved an education tailored to their unique strengths and needs. 

CEC's story is one of advocacy and innovation. As the field of special education has evolved, so too has CEC. CEC has played a pivotal role in shaping legislation, developing best practices, and providing crucial resources and professional development. Through groundbreaking research, advocacy efforts, and a commitment to inclusivity, CEC has helped pave the way for more equitable educational opportunities. 

Since its founding over one century ago, CEC has created nationally recognized standards, guidelines, and a code of ethics for special education professionals. CEC’s members have advocated for individuals with disabilities on the local, state, and federal levels, served as advisors for special education policy, and played an active role in developing the special education profession. CEC is known as THE source for information, resources, and professional development for special educators. 

With 50 state units across the US and provincial units across Canada, plus 18 Special Interest Divisions focused on specific topics, specialty areas, roles, or exceptionalities, CEC has a national and global reach. Its work in the US and Canada has inspired other educators worldwide to improve inclusivity and accessibility for children and students with disabilities.   

As CEC looks to the future, its mission remains steadfast: to continue advocating for the rights of exceptional children and driving progress in the field of special education. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and staying true to its core values, CEC is committed to building a world where all children’s abilities are recognized and celebrated. 

This website provides an overview / quick reference of the CEC Brand. For the most up-to-date and detailed version of the brand guidelines, please contact Mason Shelby (Digital Content, Director) or Hannah Hickman (Marketing, Manager).

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CEC Brand

High-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities.

Cultivating, supporting, and empowering education professionals who work with individuals with disabilities by: 

  • Advocating for education professionals and individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents 
  • Advancing professional practice and scholarly research 
  • Promoting diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility 
  • Building networks, partnerships, and communities 

Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment. 

  • Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical and responsive behavior, transparency, and accountability. 
  • Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals. 
  • Nimbleness: History is valued; continuous improvement is encouraged; governance structures are designed to be adaptive and representative of CEC members.  
  • Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment. Organizational Effectiveness Commitment to implementing efficiencies, developing leaders, planning for long-term financial success, and using data to drive decision-making.  
  • Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical and responsive behavior, transparency, and accountability. Valued Partnerships CEC Divisions, Units, Chapters, Caucuses, Community Organizations, and Corporate Partners are valued contributors to CEC’s strategy. 

Develop and support an effective and diverse workforce of special education professionals. 

  • Provide high-quality support to the pipeline of pre-service and early-career special education professionals  
  • Define the standard for highly effective special education professionals to inform and guide special educator preparation programs  
  • Support the retention of effective and diverse special education professionals  
  • Increase awareness of and provide access to current research and strategies for application 

Intentionally embed diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility within CEC. 

  • Ensure internal systems position CEC to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible organization free of bias  
  • Embed diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in all public-facing work  
  • Develop and support a diverse CEC membership  
  • Deliver resources and tools to assist education professionals in serving a diverse body of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents 

Increase the impact of CEC’s policy agenda for education professionals and individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. 

  • Provide resources and content expertise to the White House, Department of Education, and other federal agencies  
  • Maintain a strong legislative footprint with Congress  
  • Convene and actively participate in education and disability coalitions 
  • Develop and support a grassroots network of informed advocates 

Establish CEC as a globally recognized leader in the field of special education. 

  • Broaden CEC’s position as a premier partner organization  
  • Enhance CEC’s value to current and potential members  
  • Elevate and promote the work of education professionals who work with individuals with disabilities  
  • Showcase and celebrate the diversity and expertise of CEC members 
Last Updated:  12 November, 2024

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