WCEC Fall Newsletter

Dear WCEC Educators,

As we begin the new school year, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each of you. Your dedication and passion for teaching students with exceptional needs are the cornerstones of our students’ success, and we are truly grateful for the invaluable role you play in their lives.

This year brings new opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential. Your creativity and commitment make a profound difference, and I encourage you to embrace the challenges and joys that this year will bring.

Let’s work together to create a vibrant, inclusive community that uplifts every learner. I am excited to see the incredible things we will accomplish together. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Gena Santharam

President, Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children

The WCEC board met this summer to clarify our goals for this second year of a three-year strategic plan. The 2023-26 Wisconsin CEC Strategic Plan supports and is driven by CEC goals.

CEC Goals

1. Quality Teacher & Learning - promote and support high-qualify, effective educational practices and collaboration among educators and families
2. Advocacy - influence governmental policies to advance the teaching and learning of children, support of their families, and preparation of professionals
3. Collaborative Partnerships - advance collaborative and strategic partnerships between CEC and key US, Canadian, and international organizations
4. Organizational Vitality - Enhance CEC's reputation and influence through leadership, organizational performance, and fiduciary effectiveness. Focus on meeting member needs, strengthen membership and leadership, support state units and student groups, achieve fiscal goals and use emerging technology.

WCEC Goals

During the 2024-25 year, WCEC's strategic plan is heavily focused on increased partnerships with other state-based organizations (i.e., DPI, WCASS, DEC), increased WCEC membership, added social media presence, and development of student CEC chapters.

Regular Board Meetings will begin at 3:30pm virtually

November 12, 2024

January 14, 2025

March 4, 2025

April - WCEC Spring Virtual Conference

May 20, 2025

Deadline: September 27th

YES I CAN Awards recognizes students with exceptionalities in six categories: Academics, Arts, School & Community Activities, Self-advocacy, Technology, and Transition.

Follow this link to nominate someone today!

Deadline: September 30th

CEC RACIAL JUSTICE GRANTS

The CEC Racial Justice Grant encourages and supports work focused on addressing the issues related to the ongoing racial disparities in educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes for individuals with disabilities from minoritized racial groups.

Grants up to $1,000 are awarded to CEC members for initiatives engaging practitioners, children/youth, families, or other stakeholders in support of students with disabilities from minoritized racial groups. Learn More

The WCEC board is looking for volunteers to help with the WCEC Spring Virtual Conference. If interested, please email the WCEC President, Gena Santharam

• State Superintendent's Conference on Special Education & Pupil Services Leadership Conference: October 16th at Wilderness Resort REGISTRATION
• WCASS (Wisconsin Council OF Administrators of Special Services) Fall Conference: October 17-18th at Wilderness Resort REGISTRATION
• DPI Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Academy:
• October 9th: Fiscal updates, Data Snapshot Count (virtual) October 9th REGISTRATION
• November 6: WI Center for the Blind, WI Accessible Educational Materials Center, WI Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Act 20/Literacy updates REGISTRATION
• Legal Learning Series (virtual) October 19th (1st of 5 parts) REGISTRATION
  
• DPI Federal Funding Conference February 24-25th. Registration opens in December.
  
• WCASS Spring Conference will be April 30 - May 2, 2025 SAVE THE DATE

Executive Officers:

President: Gena Santharam

President Elect: Becky Zingsheim

Past President: Jan Chapman

Treasurer: Amanda Zbacnik

Executive Committee:

Secretary: Mike Hipple

CAN Coordinator: Wanda Routier

(Children and Youth Action Network)

Members at Large:

Membership: Kimberlisa Przychocki

Communication: Brenda Downey

Public Policy: Jeremy Ault

Student Affairs/Chapters: Kara Woodley, Amira Albagshi

Standing Committees:

Membership Chair: Anna Adl

Feedback from our community helps drive our offerings. If you have news to share

with your WI CEC members, pease send the information to Brenda Downey.