Upcoming AZCEC Events
CEC members are welcome to join any of our Board Meetings to see how we are working to improve outcome for our special education teachers, students, and families. You must be a member of the Council for Exceptional Children to join.
All meetings are hosted at KOI Education office from 9 AM - 11 AM unless otherwise stated. Join In-Person or via Zoom. KOI Education is located at 99 E. Virginia Ave. Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
| August 9, 2025 | KOI Education |
| September 13, 2025 | Zoom only |
| October 18, 2025 | KOI Education |
| November 15, 2025 | Zoom only |
| December 6, 2025 | Zoom only |
| January 17, 2026 | KOI Education |
| February 7, 2026 | KOI Education |
| April 18, 2026 | Zoom only |
| May 9, 2026 | KOI Education |
| June 6, 2026 | Zoom if needed |
$45 for each online book study. You are responsible for acquiring the book from any vendor you choose.
Learn more about the current book study on our Book Study page. Start and end dates of all sessions are posted. All work is completed at your own pace and online. Register online and earn CEU’s for professional development. Many books are eligible for ADE recertification credit or for DHS licensure credit for speech/language professionals.
Aug. 8, 2024 | In-Person and Virtual 8:30 – 12:00 | Cost $75
For Public, Charter, and Private School Special Education Leaders - Steering Towards Success and The Year Ahead in Special Education
Survive and thrive this year! Join AZCASE and special education leaders from across the state to ensure you are up to date with legal, procedural, and highly sensitive info you need to do your job this school year.
Aug. 2025 - May 2026 | Times Vary | Cost $1200.00
The purpose of SEDA is to assist new Special Education Leaders and Directors in the management of special education programs within their schools while ensuring the rights of students with disabilities and their parents are protected.
INCLUDED:
- Up to 8 days of presentations selected by experienced, active, and retired Special Education Directors who work in the field, featuring representatives from the Arizona Department of Education, special education attorneys, and community partners.
- One-year membership in CEC/CASE.
- Becoming an active part of a collegial network of directors across the State.
- Sessions are in person for the 2025-2026 school year.
Join our Fall Conference and take your teaching to new heights" with "This event has been postponed until spring 2026 - new date coming soon.
Dr. Wendy Oakes is an international speaker, author, and researcher. Join Dr. Oakes and her colleagues to learn practical and low-intensity teaching strategies guaranteed to reduce behavior problems and improve your relationship and rapport with students. Spend less time arguing with students and more time teaching!
Online: Tuesday 9/9/25, 10/7/25, 11/4/25, 12/2/25, 1/13/26, 2/3/26, 3/3/26, 4/7/26, 5/5/26
Nine free drop-in times to discuss student behavior problems with people who care – and won’t scare! No zombies or bots, just experienced educators who are experts in behavior.
Don’t fear bad behavior. Instead, drop in to our monthly open Behavior Office Hours (BOO!) and we will provide you with a variety of strategies, interventions related to the reduction of problem behavior, and MORE!
Online: 9/16/25, 12/2/25, 2/3/26, 4/7/26
Four live webinars – if you miss a session, you can watch a recorded version, included free with your registration.
AZCEC is offering an affordable 4-part legal series which will cover case law, hot topics, guidance from OSEP, and best practices. All sessions will be provided by the Law Office of Lorie A Gerkey, PLLC. dba EX-SELS
Online: 9/23/25, 10/28/25, 11/26/25
Three live webinars – if you miss a session, you can watch a recorded version, included free with your registration.
Join us for an inspiring and practical 3-part virtual series designed to equip educators with the tools and confidence to transform learning through Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Whether you're new to SDI or looking to refine your practice, this series will guide you through the essential who, what, when, where, and how of delivering SDI effectively.
Online: 10/30/25, 11/20/25, 1/22/26, 2/19/26
Four live webinars – if you miss a session, you can watch a recorded version, included free with your registration.
Mike Paget, will provide practical insights and strategies for teaching oppositional and defiant student in our classrooms. Mr. Paget is an international speaker and author of four books including Defying the Defiance: 155 Insights, Strategies, Lessons, and Activities for Helping Students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
November 7, 2025 | In-Person 9:00 - 3:00 PM | Cost $35-$100
Let's celebrate our educators, children, and families!
Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your early childhood practice:
- Learn research-backed strategies to enhance early childhood education practices and improve student outcomes.
- Gain insights into fostering social-emotional development in young learners, a critical aspect of early education.
- Network with fellow educators and experts in the field, sharing best practices and gaining valuable resources to bring back to your classroom or center.
Spring 2026 | In-Person 9:00 - 2:00 PM | Cost TBA
Stand up for special educators and our students - let your state representative hear your voice.
Learn how to let your State Representatives know what children and youth with exceptionalities and their educators need to succeed.
We will prepare you to advocate in a meaningful way, connect you with other passionate educators from our state, and guide you to make appointments with the locally elected legislator from your home district. As a part of the Special Education Day at the Capitol, you will have the opportunity to speak with your representative and Stand Up for Special Education!
Use hashtag #SED2026 and tag @ArizonaCEC when you post pics with your state representatives or other members of the legislature
February 6, 2026 | In-Person and Virtual 8:30 - 3:00 | Cost TBA
Principal and Charter School Leaders Institute – all welcome.
All In-Person and Virtual attendees will receive a recording of the event. This is a great opportunity for school administrative teams and special education leaders to learn from lawyers how to untangle the legal issues of disability laws that are often present when working with students, families, staff, and the community.
Presenters are school attorneys from Udall Shumway Law Firm.
February 21, 2026 | In-Person 9:00 - 3:00 | Cost TBA
Join educators, administrators, and thought leaders from across Arizona to plan for events and advocacy for the 2026-2027 school year. Tick Tock – let’s rock!
Join the largest special education conference in the world!
Attending the CEC 2026 Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City is a can't-miss opportunity for educators dedicated to supporting students with exceptionalities. Click the link for info on keynote speakers, sessions, exhibitors, hotel reservations and registration rates.
March 27, 2026 | In-Person and Virtual 8:00 - 4:00 PM | Cost TBA
Theme: Reaching New Heights Together
Join educators, administrators, and thought leaders from across Arizona for the Annual AZCEC/AZCASE Conference: Reaching New Heights Together — a powerful opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead the way forward in education. This year’s theme celebrates our shared commitment to student success, professional growth, and the ever-evolving landscape of teaching and learning. Through a dynamic keynote speaker, interactive workshops, and solution-focused sessions, we’ll explore innovative practices, inclusive strategies, and leadership approaches that help us meet the challenges of today while preparing for the possibilities of tomorrow. Whether you're a special education classroom teacher, school leader, support staff, or policymaker, this conference is your chance to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and walk away with actionable insights to elevate your impact. Together, we reach every learner. Together, we reach new heights.
May 1, 2026 | In-Person and Virtual 8:30 - 12:00 | Cost TBA
Legal update led by attorneys and leaders in the field of education
Please join us for our annual legal update on what has changed in Arizona this Legislative Session that will impact special education and schools this coming year. This forum is led by attorneys and leaders in the field of education and is designed for superintendents, special education directors, school/district administrators, and other special education leaders.
This event always sells out - in-person space is limited. Apply early.