Indiana CEC

2026 INCEC Awards - Recognizing Excellence in Special Education!

Each year, the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children (INCEC) proudly recognizes outstanding leaders, advocates, and students who make a lasting impact in the field of special education.

We invite you to submit nominations for the 2026 INCEC Awards, which will be presented during the INCEC Spring Conference: Beyond Barriers—Educating Exceptional Children on February 17, 2026, at the Monroe Convention Center in Bloomington, IN.

Award recipients will be notified by February 6, 2026.
Nomination deadline: January 30, 2026.

Click here to submit a nomination https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewCRn6dK0tgGgfnKEsvvfnom42uL_W1DaXa1MIHznIh5sEOw/viewform?usp=headerView

View full award descriptions
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gv7d792uzqpTf8x2btlI3fZ4mA7SgG1LFY6-Co-w8w4/edit?usp=sharingDistinctive

Award Categories

Service of the Year Award
Recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has made outstanding contributions to children with exceptionalities or to INCEC’s mission.

Outstanding Administrator of the Year
Honors an administrator who demonstrates exceptional leadership, vision, and advocacy in advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Outstanding Advocate of the Year
Celebrates a business, organization, or individual who educates the public, provides exceptional support, or furthers the mission of INCEC.

Outstanding Professor of the Year
Acknowledges a professor who goes above and beyond in preparing future educators and advocating for individuals with disabilities.

Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award
Recognizes a dedicated advisor who inspires and supports university CEC student members, exemplifying excellence in mentorship and leadership.

Outstanding CEC Student Member of the Year (Undergraduate & Graduate)
Honors student members who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and meaningful contributions to CEC and the field of special education.

Paraeducator of the Year
Highlights a paraeducator whose skill, dedication, and compassion have made a measurable difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

Special Educator Rising Star Award
Recognizes an early-career special educator (within the first five years) who demonstrates exceptional promise, leadership, and commitment to inclusive education.

Teacher of the Year Award
Celebrates an outstanding CEC member teacher whose work exemplifies excellence in instruction, advocacy, and outcomes for students with exceptionalities.

YES, I CAN! Student Award
Honors children and youth with exceptionalities (ages 3–21) for their achievements in academics, arts, self-advocacy, community involvement, technology, or transition skills.

2026 INCEC Award Descriptions INCEC Award Descriptions Distinctive Service of the Year Award The recipient of this award may be a business, organization, agency or individual who 1) has demonstrated exemplary personal and professional qualities while making outstanding contributions to children with exceptionalities or 2) ha...

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