Utah CEC Professional Awards

awarded to a professional/citizen who has: 

• Made an outstanding contribution
• Demonstrated sustained interest in the field and his/her contribution to the field is substantial
• Been involved in policy development at various levels (e.g., local, state, federal)
• Made a substantial impact on service, research, or education
   

awarded to a special education administrator who:

• Has demonstrated leadership and vision in terms of administration of programs for exceptional children and/or youth
• Is an active member of CEC for at least five continuous years (preferred)
• Has demonstrated sustained interest in the field and their contribution to the field is substantial
• (Preferred) Nominees have provided leadership to CEC in areas including unit or division leadership; committee or task force membership; professional development/training; policy and advocacy; governance; and professional standards and accreditation.
   

awarded to an educator who:

• Provides direct service to children
• Is an active member of CEC for at least five continuous years (preferred)
• Holds professional certification in the area in which he or she provides services

Demonstrate CEC’s core values, which are:

• Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment
• Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior, transparency, and accountability
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals
   

awarded to a CEC professional worker in the first five years of their special education career who:

• Demonstrates Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment
• Demonstrates Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior, transparency, and accountability
• A commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals
• Demonstrates the ability to thoughtfully engage students, families and other stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration
   

awarded to an individual who: 

• is invested in work that informs policies for persons with disabilities or the field of special education
• advocates for policies that support and improve the lives of people and students with disabilities as well as educators and the profession
• has a history of work that showcases an understanding of special education and the needs of the students and professionals in the field and reflects significant, documented positive outcomes for students, teachers and families.  

awarded to a professional worker who:  

• Has made an outstanding contribution in providing services to exceptional students
• Has demonstrated sustained interest in the field and their contribution to the field is substantial
• Has made a substantial impact on service, research, or education
• Is an active member of CEC for at least five continuous years (preferred)
   

awarded to a general education teacher who:  

• Has made a substantial impact with students with disabilities in the general education setting
• Uses innovative and meaningful inclusive practices to promote success for each student
• Has made an outstanding contribution through collaboration with colleagues and families
• Inspires and advocates for each student 
   

awarded to a paraeducator who: 

• Provides direct service to children
• Demonstrated a sustained interest in the field
• Made an outstanding contribution
• Has made substantial contributions to the field
   

awarded to a university/college student who:

• Is an active member of SCEC
• Has demonstrated ongoing commitment
• Shows strong promise as a future teacher in the field
• Excels scholastically/academically 
   

awarded to a student who:  

• Demonstrates advocacy for students with disabilities
• Consistently exercises leadership among peers across a variety of settings
• Shows strong promise as an ongoing advocate 
• Makes a substantial contribution to the school and/or community 
   

awarded to the parent(s)/caregiver(s) of a student with exceptionalities who: 

• Is actively involved in programs and/or services provided to their own child
• Advocates for or provides services to other exceptional persons
• Has made a substantial impact on service or education for exceptional children
• Has demonstrated continued interest in the field of special education 
   

awarded to a business or organization who:  

• Provides employment/training opportunities for individuals with disabilities and/or
• Makes financial contributions which have aided in the education or habilitation of individuals with disabilities
• Provides volunteer services to organizations which provide services to individuals with disabilities (i.e., Special Olympics, Camp Kostopolus, schools/education programs, etc.)
   

Recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated achievement that far exceeds expectations: (a) in a particular subject area such as math, science, reading, social studies, language arts, foreign language, etc.; (b) in overall academic achievement; (c) on standardized tests, etc. This could be demonstrated through competitions, special projects, and/or performances.

Recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated achievement or leadership that far exceeds expectations in organized activities at the school or community level through: (a) school-based clubs/activities (yearbook, theater, debate, tutoring, peer mentoring, social, service, etc.); or (b) community-based clubs/activities (volunteer work, Boy/Girl Scouts, church/temple, service, cleanup campaigns, etc.).
 

Recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated achievement that far exceeds expectations in assuming practical responsibility for oneself, using knowledge of legal rights, advancing one’s goals, or advocating for one’s needs, such as effectively obtaining appropriate accommodations for oneself or others.
 

Recognizes post-secondary students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated achievement that far exceeds expectation in acquiring knowledge, skills and/or abilities that resulted in successful outcomes in their work, vocational training, or independent living.