The Council for Exceptional Children is an international community of professionals who are the voice and vision of gifted and special education. CEC's mission is to improve, through excellence and advocacy, the education and quality of life for children and youth with exceptionalities and to enhance the engagement of their families.

This award was established by the PACEC Executive Board to recognize an outstanding teacher of exceptional children. Individuals who would like to nominate a teacher for this award are encouraged to complete the teacher_of_year nomination form and send it to the address provided. Nominations for the next Teacher of the year Award are due by August 31st, 2012. Nominations may be accepted from Regional Directors.

To be considered, a nominee:

• must be currently involved in the provision of direct services to students who have disabilities or are gifted and/or talented;
• should have demonstrated exemplary performance over a period of time as a teacher or provider of direct services, exhibiting such qualities as innovativeness, imagination, creativity, and the ability to inspire, as indicated by achievements clearly recognized by members of the profession and others knowledgeable of the candidate;
• must be a CEC member in good standing both currently and for at least the previous five years, and;
• should be an appropriately qualified teacher or related specialist as recognized by the PA Department of Education.