The Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) is an organization aimed at helping children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents reach their academic potential. SCEC is internationally well known for its expertise and leadership in the field of special education and dedication to ensuring that all students have their needs met and are seen as valued members of society.
And the best part is that there is an SCEC chapter right here at BYU! Keep reading to learn more about this organization and how you can get involved.
We recently caught up with Carrie Eichelberger, who heads the BYU chapter of SCEC to find out more about this awesome organization!
Tell us a Little Bit About your Organization!
"The Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) is the BYU student chapter of The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. CEC is known as THE source for information, resources, and professional development for special educators. CEC has local units in all 50 states and Canada, as well as 18 optional Special Interest Divisions focused on a specific topic, specialty area, role, or exceptionality.
"BYU's SCEC is one of the hundreds of CEC Student Chapters at colleges and universities across the world! Our chapter has organized several activities and service projects to raise awareness and inclusion of people with disabilities here on campus as well as in the local community. We have also had several opportunities to be involved on the state, national and international level as well. The types of activities and reach of our chapter is really up to the level of involvement and vision of the student members. They sky is the limit!"
Who can get Involved with SCEC?
"We would love for all McKay students to get involved with SCEC! This includes current or future early childhood teachers, general education elementary and secondary teachers, speech pathologists, audiologists and other related service professionals and administrators. SCEC's mission is geared toward ANYONE who is interested in cultivating, supporting, empowering and advocating for education professionals; advancing professional practice and scholarly research; promoting diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility; and building networks, partnerships, and communities."
How can students get Involved?
"Anyone interested in joining is free to do so at any time!"
"We are looking for student officers for the 2023-2024 school year and would love anyone from any department or program to campaign for election. The link to the application is https://forms.gle/em6PsJS1tVRhACvi7. Regardless of whether you'd like a leadership position or if you'd prefer to be a member at large, we need you! People with disabilities touch all aspects of human society. Please come and bring your friends from other majors as well! The more participation from multiple areas of interest will allow us to have bigger activities and service opportunities."
If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with SCEC check out this link to a recorded informational session.
To join SCEC, fill out this form with your information. We can't wait to get to know you!
To find out more about the McKay school, meet with a student ambassador here!