Thrive

Thriving in role you have as an educator.

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Overview

In Minnesota Special Education, we are continually working to help enhance the leadership capacity of our teachers so that they can pave the way for future generations of special education teachers and grow the profession. We don’t want teachers to feel “stuck” in their positions, with few opportunities to thrive and advance professionally. The Minnesota Low Incidence Projects, regional low incidence facilitators throughout the state, and the Minnesota Department of Education collaborate to offer year round professional development and leadership opportunities for special education teachers throughout Minnesota.

Mentorship

What better way to give back to the profession than to help guide our newest teachers in the field!?
The Minnesota Mentor Program (MMP) is thrilled to continue offering support for Minnesota teachers who are new to teaching students in low-incidence disability areas: autism spectrum disorders (ASD), blind/visually impaired (B/VI), deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH), developmental cognitive disabilities, and physical/health disabilities (P/HD)! The program is also available to support teachers of low-incidence disability areas who work in geographically isolated areas of Minnesota as well.

MMP accepts applications for mentors for each school year from May until the end of July. If you have been a mentor in previous years and would like to continue to support other professionals in your field, please apply. If you are an experienced special education teacher licensed in one of the low-incidence disability areas and would like to support new teachers, please apply. Now more than ever, new special educators need mentors to support them. Mentors also benefit professionally when asked questions that hone their skills and knowledge base. They also receive compensation for the time and expertise they provide.

The information about our process and links to the MMP online applications are found on the Minnesota Mentor Program webpage on the Minnesota Low Incidence Projects website.

The Minnesota Low Incidence Projects offers professional development opportunities all throughout the year. Check out the opportunities listing by clicking on the button below.

BrightWorks Registration

Professional Memberships

Are you looking for more ways to enhance your knowledge and skills in the area of special education and connect with experts in the field as well as other educators?? Consider joining the Council for Exceptional Children! No matter where you are in your professional journey, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) provides the knowledge and inspiration you need to make a difference in your student’s lives. From growing your expertise to accessing evidence-based resources, CEC is here to lift you up throughout your career.

CEC membership provides access to essential content that keeps you connected to the latest practice insights, research, and emerging trends in special education so you can feel confident in your abilities to support your students. Check out CEC’s upcoming learning opportunities by clicking the button below.

CEC’s Learning Opportunities

Memberships

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is your professional home as a special educator.

Student Chapters

Active Chapters

Bethel College Professional Chapter
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Minnesota State University-Moorhead
St. Cloud State University Chapter
St. Paul Chapter
University of Minnesota/Twin Cities Chapter
Winona State University Chapter

Up and coming Chapters

Bemidji State University
Grand Canyon University

Teacher with a student with specialized walker

Membership Prices

Student Membership (pre-service/graduate student) - Starting at $40/year
Early Career Membership (3 years or fewer) - Starting at $60/year
Professional Membership (more than 3 years) - Starting at $75/year
Group Membership Packages

Membership: Join Now!

Whether you're a student teacher-candidate, an early career professional, a seasoned professional, training the next generation of educators, or administrating special education programs, we're here for you.

Student Membership: Join with Us Today!!

Student Membership - Early Career Membership - Professional Membership - Group Membership Packages

Minnesota Council for Exceptional Children (MNCEC)

Minnesota Council for Exceptional Children advances the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents by educating, advocating, and collaborating with stakeholders through professional learning, resources, and serving as the voice of special education in Minnesota.

Email: cecminnesota@gmail.com
Website: https://minnesota.exceptionalchildren.org/
Phone: 507-398-8433
Twitter: @MinnesotaCEC

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