Meet Your CEC2026 Convention Keynotes
Each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, thousands of special education professionals from around the world come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies you can apply to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.
We are pleased to introduce our Keynote speakers, who will be appearing in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Opportunity in the Shift: Honoring IDEA’s Legacy and the Future You’re Leading and Learning in the Age of AI
As we celebrate 50 years of IDEA, Dr. Jody Britten challenges us to honor its legacy while reimagining the future. In this timely keynote, she explores how disruption—including the rise of AI—can spark innovation, inclusion, and impact in today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s workforce. With humor, insight, and practical strategies, Jody will inspire you to rethink readiness, reframe your role, and take action to shape learning environments where every student thrives.
Jody Britten, Ph.D., is an educator, strategist, researcher, and systems thinker. Previously, Britten served as Head of Research and Innovation at The Team4Tech Foundation, where she developed global partnerships and programming that supported 1500+ education-focused nonprofits in over 100+ countries. She also played a leadership role in the AI-for-Education.org initiative, where she has supported ethical and inclusive AI adoption in global education. Jody began her career in K–12 education as a classroom teacher and remains committed to bringing practitioner voices into every policy, program, or technology solution she develops. Britten holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master’s in Teaching and Leadership from the University of Kansas, in addition to undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Special Education. She continues to contribute to thought leadership through Medium publications, global panels, and her latest initiative, The Educators’ AI, a platform supporting inclusive and ethical AI in education.
The Science of Happiness
In this inspiring keynote, Kim Strobel reveals how reprogramming our brains toward positivity can boost happiness, engagement, productivity, and creativity—transforming both personal and professional lives. Drawing on positive psychology research, she addresses the emotional core of many careers, from teaching and nursing to law, and the toll stress and dissatisfaction (affecting over half of employees) can take. With compelling stories, practical strategies, and thought-provoking questions, Kim empowers audiences to strengthen their social and emotional skills, sustain their passion, and create fulfilling, resilient, and high-performing lives inside and outside of work.
Kim is a former teacher and curriculum director who has become an internationally known motivational speaker, dynamic powerhouse, and leading happiness coach. She inspires others to step into their power and live happier, less stressed lives. Drawing on positive psychology research, she teaches practical, science-backed strategies that help you achieve transformative results. Kim’s work demonstrates that prioritizing happiness is not just a feel-good concept—it’s the key to unlocking peak performance, greater productivity, and meaningful shifts in both their professional and personal lives. Kim is a mother, wife, and dedicated runner. She’s also a committed animal rescuer, having rescued 243 dogs.
Are you excited to hear from our incredible keynote speakers at our 2026 Convention & Expo? Register today and get ready for a great experience!