Were you unable to make it to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)‘s biggest event of the year? Don’t worry – we’ve got the highlights from CEC 2024 right here!
“What’s Your Why”
We invited attendees to share their motivations as educators – their “why” – by contributing to a wall filled with heartfelt reflections. From aspirations of helping students achieve their dreams to commitments to supporting colleagues, the responses showcased educators’ profound impact on shaping lives and pointed toward one common goal: improving school support systems nationwide.
We were inspired by the submissions we received and decided to amplify our collective impact with a matched donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In total, we donated over $300 to help NAMI provide advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Learning Sessions
Throughout the conference, the eLuma team actively participated in various learning sessions, eager to deepen our understanding of the ever-evolving needs in special education. From exploring innovative teaching methodologies to sharing best practices in student support, each session provided valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance the quality of education for students with exceptionalities.
Panel on School-Based Mental Health
A highlight of the conference was a compelling panel discussion facilitated by eLuma’s CEO, Jeremy Glauser, alongside distinguished mental health experts.
Dr. Brittany Patterson, Dr. Celeste Malone, Dr. Kimberly Yanek, and Dr. Mark Weist brought decades of collective experience addressing mental health challenges in educational settings. Their insights, ranging from destigmatizing mental health issues to promoting resilience and self-care, highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing mental health support in schools.
Here are our key takeaways from the panel discussion:
The Importance of a Systematic Approach: The experts highlighted the significance of adopting a systematic approach to addressing mental health issues within educational settings. This involves utilizing frameworks like the SHAPE system to assess, plan, and implement strategies effectively.
Participate in Ongoing Learning and Development: This involves participating in training sessions, workshops, webinars, and staying updated on best practices and research in the field.
Adopt a Student-Centered Approach: When educators actively involve students in decision-making processes and focus on students as individuals, they create safe and inclusive environments and can provide tailored support based on unique student needs.
Recognize the Role of Community Engagement: Community engagement is a key factor in promoting mental health and well-being in schools. Fostering partnerships with parents, local organizations, and mental health professionals creates a supportive network for students and educators alike.
State of Mental Health Survey
Throughout the conference, we asked educators to contribute to our State of Mental Health survey to assess the current landscape of mental health services and support within educational institutions, gathering insights from a range of professionals working in the field.
The survey asked participants about topics such as the prevalence of mental health challenges among students, the adequacy of existing support systems, and strategies to address staffing shortages. The findings from this survey helped us gain valuable insight into the state of mental health in schools and discover actionable strategies to support the well-being of students and educators alike.
To explore the notable results in detail, we invite you to download the infographic, available here.
The 2024 CEC conference reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and collective action in advancing special education. Through meaningful activities, insightful discussions, and a shared commitment to excellence, eLuma and its partners are dedicated to empowering educators and enriching the lives of students with exceptionalities.
As we return to our communities, we’re sure that everyone who attended CEC 2024 carries renewed inspiration and determination to make a difference in the lives of the students we serve! We’re proud to be a part of a strong community dedicated to advancing the field of special education and supporting the mission of the Council for Exceptional Children.
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