2028-2029 Convention Program Co-Chairs Application
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2028-2029 Convention Program Co-Chairs Application
Deadline for Applications: August 31, 2026
This is YOUR Leadership Opportunity!
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is seeking two Program Co-Chairs for the 2028 CEC Convention & Expo (Chicago, IL) and the 2029 CEC Convention & Expo (Portland, OR) to lead the Convention Program Advisory Committee (PAC).
As Program Co-Chair, you will work with the current co-chairs to play a pivotal role in shaping CEC’s annual convention, the largest and most comprehensive professional development event in special education.
The term of service is March 2027 – March 2029.
CEC is seeking applications for:
- One special education professional working in higher education
- One special education professional working with individuals’ birth–Grade 12
Together, the Co-Chairs will lead the Program Advisory Committee—composed of representatives from CEC divisions and experts across the field—to design a high-quality, balanced, and innovative convention learning program.
Role & Responsibilities
The Program Co-Chairs will collaborate with CEC divisions, units, staff, and the broader field to develop an exceptional convention experience. Specific responsibilities include:
- Soliciting input from CEC leadership, divisions, state/provincial units, and the field to identify high-interest topics, emerging research, and demographic trends impacting schools and the profession.
- Developing a comprehensive, focused, and balanced professional learning program that meets the current needs of special education.
- Identifying program content gaps and soliciting additional sessions to ensure a rich and relevant lineup.
- Collaborating with the Program Advisory Committee and CEC staff to recommend keynote speakers (invitations and negotiations conducted by CEC staff).
- Overseeing the proposal review and selection process to ensure a diverse and high-quality program.
- Facilitating continuous improvement through innovation, creativity, and program evaluation.
- Serving as a spokesperson for the program at the convention and other professional meetings.
- Collaborating with CEC staff and providing updates to the CEC Board of Directors as needed.
Qualifications
- Broad knowledge of the professional development needs of teachers, administrators, teacher educators, researchers, and others in special education.
- Familiarity with current and emerging trends and issues in the field.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders representing various perspectives.
- CEC membership is in good standing.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills: demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.
- Demonstrated organizational and management skills with the ability to commit 1–2 hours per month on average.
- Preferred: Previous experience with CEC program planning or similar professional development events.
Additional Information
Convention Week: Program Co-Chairs will introduce the opening keynote speaker, host the First Timers’ session, and attend/monitor featured sessions throughout the convention.
Post Convention: Co-Chairs will submit a feedback report with recommendations for future conventions (due 45 days after each event).
Travel & Lodging: CEC provides compensation for travel, complimentary lodging, and registration for the 2028 and 2029 conventions.
Selection Process: CEC staff and selected reviewers will evaluate applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Application Instructions
Special note: Program discussions around the 2028 Convention and Expo programming will begin in March 2027. More information will be sent to the Program Advisory Committee ahead of the initial meeting.
Interested CEC members should submit the following:
- Letter of intent (maximum 400 words)
- Response (maximum 150 words each) to the following:
- Your participation in previous CEC conventions or other professional development events.
- Your assessment of the most critical issues and trends affecting special education over the next 3 years, and how the convention program can address them.
- How the convention program (content, formats, presenters) should advance diversity, equity, and professional practice.
- Your ideas for attracting teacher participation and increasing overall attendance.
- CV (for higher education applicants) OR a resume/one-page outline of professional experience and education (for applicants representing those working with individuals’ birth–Grade 12).
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 31, 2026
If you have any questions, contact:
CEC Professional Development Team