Abstract
If someone were to ask me, “What is your reason for entering into the field of special education?,” I would say that there are multiple reasons why I continue to serve individuals with disabilities and support teacher candidates who want to do similar work. In fact, those reasons are too numerous to count! However, the reason why I entered this field is my youngest brother, Marcus. He is the reason I became interested in individuals with disabilities. He is the reason I advocate for individuals with disabilities. He is why I work to ensure teacher candidates are well prepared to educate and support individuals with disabilities and their families. He is the reason I work to support a sense of connection and belonging for individuals with disabilities in their communities. My passion and dedication to this field are the result of my love for Marcus. I so desperately want him and others like him to be viewed as valuable and worthy of an education and to have access to education professionals who see their strengths and work to ensure their success.
It is a privilege to serve as the CEC President. My time as CEC President has meant so much to me because it allowed me to work with others to amplify efforts to improve the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. All of my aforementioned reasons have been and continue to be CEC’s focus, which is why I joined and continue to be committed to CEC. Our mission is to cultivate, support, and empower education professionals who work with individuals with disabilities. We do this through our advocacy efforts, advancing professional practice and scholarly research, building opportunities for connection, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We are working to become a better CEC, and I hope you will continue to partner with us in this work.
Because this is my last message, I want to acknowledge the CEC staff. They are an extraordinary and kind group of humans who are committed to CEC’s vision and mission. Their work to support CEC and ensure it functions efficiently is admirable and very much appreciated. I extend my sincere appreciation to Chad Rummel, Executive Director, for his dedication to CEC. His innovation, vision, and attention to detail are unmatched. I am supported by an amazing CEC Board of Directors, who sacrifice their time, energy, and intellect in service to the organization. They create the vision that enables CEC to move forward. I appreciate each of them for their commitment and dedication to CEC. I am thankful for the time shared and the friendships developed. A special thanks to those who will end their terms on the Board of Directors this year. Finally, a big thank you to the CEC membership. I was honored to serve as your President over the past year and hope you feel I served you well.
As CEC continues to look forward, we have an awesome team of Officers to lead the way. I am excited to transfer the presidency to Dr. Kareem Thompson. Dr. Julie Bost will be joining as the 2024 President-Elect. Kareem and Julie bring experiences from the classroom, administration, and higher education. They will be influential in taking CEC to new levels. I am excited for their leadership because they are both so innovative and outside of the box in their thinking. Our Immediate Past President, Dr. Danielle Kovach, will conclude her 3-year term on the board. Dani has been a true asset to the CEC Board of Directors, as her steady leadership has allowed CEC to flourish. She has worked tirelessly to support CEC. I extend my sincere appreciation for her support and mentorship. Her kindness and creativity will be missed.
Footnotes