Professional Organizations, Standards and Related Links

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

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.

Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC)

The Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) is a consortium of state education agencies, higher education institutions, and national educational organizations dedicated to the reform of the education, licensing, and on-going professional development of teachers. Created in 1987, INTASC's primary constituency is state education agencies responsible for teacher licensing and professional development. Its work is guided by one basic premise: An effective teacher must be able to integrate content knowledge with pedagogical understanding to assure that all students learn and perform at high levels.

Student Organizations

Council for Exceptional Children

The JMU CEC chapter is open to all JMU students interested in the field of Special Education. Students work to improve and influence attitudes affecting students with exceptionalities, those with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, their parents, and the professionals who work with them, at all levels. Activities include hosting guest speakers, providing child-care and support to local advocacy and parent organizations, organizing an annual Disability Awareness Week on JMU's campus, and holding a Special Education Leadership Day for high school students interested in the field of special education.

April 2005 pictures of teacher candidates presenting at CEC Conference in Baltimore, MD
Pictures of JMU Student CEC
Student Education Assocation
The Student Education Association is a pre-professional organization for future teachers. Any student interested in education and those seeking teacher certification can join and profit from this organization.

Kappa Delta Pi

An international honor society for exceptional and exemplary educators. The Alpha Chi Chapter at JMU requires a 3.30 overall GPA, as well as successful completion of at least six hours of teacher certification courses prior to the initiation ceremony. Watch for announcements.

Best Buddies

The purpose of this organization is to enhance the lives of people with mental retardation by providing opportunities for one-on-one friendships and integrated employment. It is also done at the college level by matching college student volunteers in mutually enriching friendships with persons with mental retardation. For more information please e-mail us at jmubuddies@hotmail.com