2027 Professional Awards: CEC Special Education Research Award

The CEC Special Education Research Award recognizes a CEC member or group* 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.

Eligibility

The Special Education Research Award recipient(s) must: 

• Be a CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award (*at least one of the lead researchers must be)
• The research of the nominee must be directed at improving the success of children and youth with exceptionalities

Recognition and Benefits

The award recipient will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A letter/statement of support from the nominator
• At least two (2), and up to four (4), additional letters/statements of support, not including the nominator's, addressing the specific research program of the nominee(s)
• At least one (1), up to two (2),  published article(s) related to the research project
• The nominee's Vita/Resume

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.