This is our third year with a virtual program!

We are piloting a new interactive session browser!

SessionBrowser is best viewed on a Desktop/Tablet. A mobile friendly version will be included by the time of the conference.

Not only is this helping to reduce our carbon footprint, but we are also increasing access to information.

We WILL NOT have any physical programs available on Monday, March 16, 2026.

You are encouraged to print out sessions and locations ahead of time.

In event of a discrepancy between digital and printed materials, the digital materials will take precedence.

Information changes daily and is updated on the website as soon as it is available. We will have the most up to date information on the website.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 2026 New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children Spring Conference, “Empower, Engage, Elevate: Unlocking Student Potential Together.” 

We are also honored to have Ramapo College of New Jersey's President Cindy Jebb, welcoming everyone. We are also very excited to have Dr. Kim Murray, Director of New Jersey Office of Special Education, as our speaker. Dr. Murray will share some important New Jersey Department of Education Initiatives to help ground us in our daily work. We are grateful for the consistent and unwavering support of Dr. Murray and her entire team from the NJDOE. 

On behalf of the NJCEC Executive Board, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to Dr. Cindy Jebb, President of Ramapo College, Provost Michael Middleton, Vice Provost Joyce Shim, Interim Dean Kathleen Ray, Dean Ken Goldstein, Dr. Adam Fried, Melissa Celik, Suzanne Fekete, Patti Cantor and Joanne Caselli. I would also like to thank the Teacher Education Department and the School of Social Science and Human Services. Ramapo College’s willingness to support the field of Special Education and once again host this conference is extraordinary! The efforts of many have made it possible for NJCEC to offer this day of amazing professional development.

Our conference is full of cutting-edge Professional Development and networking opportunities. Please take advantage of the wide array of sessions geared to meet the interests and needs of those working with children with special needs. I hope that you will enjoy these sessions, and will leave refreshed, invigorated and filled with new ideas. 

This year we are, once again, pleased to have presenters who will share a wealth of expertise with you. Their time and efforts are much appreciated. The exhibitors provide us not only with new and interesting information and products for Special Education, but also with marvelous prizes for raffles/gifts. Thank you! Please be sure to visit their booths to see their new and exciting ideas and materials and to participate in their raffle give aways.

It took the volunteer services of many people to make this conference a success.  My sincere thanks to the NJCEC Executive Board, conference committee members, Joan Vas, Barry Schwartz, Christopher Volk, Bea Pableo, Lori Militello, Wendy Post, Ramona Kopacz, Mollie Good, Alexis Christides, Bella Banuls, MaryAnn Joseph, Parthenia Cogdell, Madelene Taub-Chan, Vincent Aniello, Sophia Dibari, Skye Dipietro, Amelia Sileo, Allison Sproviero, Ellie Pepper, Karen Jans for their consistent support and assistance. Special thanks to, Gillian Miller & Haley Mathis conference assistant chairs who assisted with a myriad of behind the scenes logistics. Then there is Benjamin Good who was my co-conference chair, my right, left and behind the scenes hand, the creator of the interactive program for our site and amazing juggler of everything NJCEC - there are no words to thank you for your undying commitment to NJCEC!

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

Our goal is to make the New Jersey Special Education community stronger. If you are not already a member... please join us!! 

Take a moment to learn about NJCEC and consider getting involved! 

Thank you and enjoy your day!

Julie

Dr. Julie Norflus-Good

NJCEC President