Your CEC Member Benefits

Join the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and share in the richness of the CEC experience. Get the training, resources, and peer-to-peer support you need to meet today’s new challenges in special education with confidence and greater competence…and make a difference for exceptional children.

As a CEC member, you’ll access:

CEC Publications

Stay on the cutting edge with the high-impact, up-to-the-minute information you’ll receive from CEC’s member publications:

·         TEACHING Exceptional Children – actionable and useful articles to teach and administer programs for children with disabilities and/or who are gifted (6 issues per year).

·         Exceptional Children – original research on the education and development of children with exceptionalities in practical terms that you can bring into your classroom (4 issues per year).

·         CEC Today – member newsletter keeps you up-to-date on professional and legal developments, plus news on CEC’s 17 professional divisions (4 issues per year – now online!).

Books, Media and Training

In the past year alone, CEC has published hundreds of articles, books, videos, and CD ROMS covering the entire agenda of social, legal and educational issues of children with exceptionalities. Our resource catalog is crammed with resources and materials specifically for special educators.

Career Development

CEC’s continuing education programs, including the CEC Annual Convention and Expo, provide ground-breaking information, state-of-the-art resources, and new ways of reaching students. Special projects managed by CEC provide you with essential training programs, materials, planning, and continuing education opportunities.

Advocacy and Support

CEC members are an integral part of CEC’s advocacy efforts for the rights of children and youth with exceptionalities, as well as the special needs of the educators who serve them. CEC is a major voice in Congress, the courts, and the U.S. Department of Education. CEC has launched a comprehensive program to make the educational community and the public aware of teacher shortages and special education teaching conditions. No other organization is more active—or more effective.

Professional Divisions

Join one or more of the 17 CEC special interest divisions to tailor your participation to your area(s) of expertise. Divisions publish journals and newsletters, sponsor conferences and other professional development activities, facilitate political action on issues that affect your practice and interests, and provide unique networking opportunities to bring you closer with experts and your professional peers.

Peer Networking and Leadership Opportunities

Gain access to an active network of more than 45,000 members—people like you who are special education teachers, administrators, college faculty, education consultants, and students. CEC also provides a wide range of opportunities to serve in leadership positions at the local, state/provincial, and international level.

Up-to-the-Minute Access via the Web

At the CEC Web site www.cec.sped.org you’ll get the latest updates on news in special education, participate in CEC’s listserves, join or renew CEC membership, register for professional development events, and order books and other quality resources online.

Discounts on Educational Resources

CEC members enjoy savings of up to 30% on all CEC publications and professional development events including the CEC Annual Convention & Expo.

Career Connections

Career Connections is the largest job bank on the Internet devoted exclusively to special education professionals. Register your resume and view special education job postings on your own personal job search page. There’s also a list of recruiters for you to contact in the search for a perfect job.

Professional Liability and Other Insurance Plans

CEC members are eligible for the Educators Professional Liability Plan in limits of $1 million and $2 million. Student members preparing for employment and performing educational duties under the supervision of a licensed educator can purchase an individual $1 million policy for an annual premium of only $12. Term life insurance, long term care, disability income protection, and a variety of other insurance programs are also available.

GEICO Auto Insurance

Comprehensive, affordable auto insurance coverage is available to CEC members in most states. Features include nationwide, 24-hour claims handling, customized coverage, safety discounts, and more.

Financial Services

Through MBNA America® Bank N.A., CEC members are eligible to apply for the CEC Platinum Plus® MasterCard® credit card, and CD and Money Market Deposit Accounts. The Platinum Plus® card has no annual fee. The CD and Money Market deposit accounts have rates that outperform the competition, and accounts are FDIC-insured up to $100,000 per depositor.

Rental Car Discounts

Valuable benefits on car rental from Hertz include a one-car-class upgrade and discounts on weekly or weekend rentals.

Retirement Planning

Through the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC), CEC members can take advantage of a comprehensive package of retirement planning products and services. CEC members are offered a wide range of fixed and variable investment options and state-of-the-art administration of retirement plans and expert account assistance.

Step Into a Network of Professional Support –

Join CEC Today! 

Join online at www.cec.sped.org  Or, contact CEC’s Constituent Services Center at (888) 232-7733, TTY (866) 915-5000, or e-mail service@cec.sped.org  Representatives are available to take your call Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.