What CEC Means to Me

Dr. Tiffany L. Gallagher

They say, “time flies when you are having fun,” and this certainly applies to my time as an educator for the past 32 years and CEC member for 18 of these years. My introduction to the collegiality that is CEC was as a doctoral student when I made my first conference presentation based on my work with an after-school literacy program. Immediately, I felt welcomed and valued as a novice conference presenter. Since then, I have benefited from learning from CEC members and the host of resources that are disseminated. Over the years, it has been amazing to witness CEC evolve in its posting of policies/standards, papers, position statements, resources and professional learning supports. Undoubtedly, attending annual CEC provincial conferences and conventions has been the most valuable learning experience for me. I have had the pleasure of making 46 conference presentations and sharing thoughtful discussion with attendees. Now, in the later stages of my career, CEC offers a platform for me to mentor junior scholars as they engage in community and scholarship in special education. Annually, I embrace attending conferences with my graduate students to highlight the important and contemporary work that they are doing. These educators are our future leaders of inclusion who will carry forward the legacy of CEC.

What does CEC mean to me? Collegiality, learning while sharing, and mentoring.

Tiffany L. Gallagher, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Educational Studies & Director, Brock Learning Lab
Brock University, Faculty of Education
Niagara Region, Ontario   
tgallagher@brocku.ca