Professional Awards
About CEC Professional Awards
CEC’s Professional Awards celebrate the educators, leaders, and scholars whose passion and commitment are transforming the field of special education. These awards honor colleagues whose work elevates practice, strengthens research and policy, and meaningfully improves instruction and supports for individuals with disabilities. By recognizing their achievements, we not only celebrate excellence—we inspire others and advance CEC’s mission.
Nominate a colleague whose work deserves to be celebrated and whose impact deserves to be shared.
Deadline: The deadline for nominations for all awards is 11:59 pm ET, August 31, 2026
General Eligibility Criteria for All Professional Awards
Nominees must:
- be a CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award*;
- demonstrate CEC’s core values:
- Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment
- Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior, transparency, and accountability
- Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals
*Membership status can be confirmed by our Membership Services staff at (888) 232-7733 or (703) 620-3660, or at [email protected].
Restrictions:
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Posthumous nominations are not accepted.
Recipient Recognition and Benefits
Award recipients will be:
- provided with complimentary registration to attend the annual CEC Convention & Expo,
- recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at the Awards and Recognition Luncheon during the convention, to which they will receive two complimentary tickets.
- featured in an official CEC communication.
They will also receive a $500 honorarium.
Questions? Contact the staff liaison to the Honors Committee
A list of past award recipients can be found at the bottom of the page for each individual award.
| Professional Awards Categories | |
|---|---|
The CEC Teacher of the Year Award Units: Follow the "Learn More" link for details about our NEW Unified Teacher of the Year Nomination Process in the "How to Nominate" dropdown. | Learn More |
| The CEC Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award This award recognizes a CEC member who has made continued and sustained contributions to positive outcomes for children and youth with exceptionalities. | Learn More |
| The Outstanding CEC Leadership Award This award honors a CEC member who has made significant contributions to the Council’s programs and activities at the local, state/provincial, and national/international level over an extended period of time. | Learn More |
| The CEC Special Education Research Award This award recognizes a CEC member* whose research has had a direct impact on practice, programs, or policy needs and has improved positive outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. | Learn More |
| The CEC Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award This award recognizes a college/university CEC Student Chapter Advisor who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to engaging students in their CEC Chapter and guiding their educational, personal, and professional development in the field of special education. | Learn More |
| The CEC Special Educator Rising Star Award This award recognizes a CEC member teacher who is in the first five years of their special education career who has shown exceptional potential for leadership in teaching, service, and/or scholarship. | Learn More |
| The CEC Outstanding Paraeducator Award This award is intended to honor CEC paraeducator members who are currently involved in direct or related services to students with disabilities and provide exemplary service to students and special educators. | Learn More |
Questions? Please contact Sharon Rodriguez at [email protected].