May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership

May is a month of appreciation, reflection, and inclusive leadership at Edufaith Educational Services. As the school year begins to close, we are reminded of the importance of honoring the educators, families, leaders, and advocates who help students grow, persist, and succeed. Observances such as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Military Appreciation Month, and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month highlight the value of belonging, wellness, cultural awareness, and support for the whole child.

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May also includes Teacher Appreciation Week, Mother’s Day, National School Principals’ Day, National Nurses Day, and Memorial Day, giving us meaningful opportunities to recognize service, care, leadership, and sacrifice. At Edufaith, we remain committed to restoring faith in education one student at a time by helping families, educators, and leaders create inclusive, responsive, and student-centered learning environments where every learner is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

🎙 May' Spotlight: Edufaith Essentials Podcast

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In this month’s Edufaith Essentials Podcast, Dr. Nakia presents “May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership,” a reflective episode centered on special education, inclusive leadership, disability compliance, literacy, and student recognition. This May episode highlights powerful moments from the 2026 Council for Exceptional Children Special Education Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, including Dr. Nakia’s CEC session, “Strategic Leadership and Disability Compliance: Making Sense of Reading Policy.”

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The episode also celebrates the inspiring students recognized through the CEC 2026 Yes I Can Awards, honoring their perseverance, achievement, and ability to overcome obstacles at the national level. Through this recap, Dr. Nakia connects the importance of advocacy, strategic leadership, literacy policy, dyslexia laws, and disability compliance to the everyday work of families, educators, and school leaders.

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Be sure to subscribe to the Edufaith Essentials Podcast, listen on all major streaming platforms, and visit our News & Announcements page for episode links, resources, and updates.

🌎 National CEC Conference – Strategic Leadership in Action

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On March 11th, Dr. Nakia co-presented at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The session, “Strategic Leadership and Disability Compliance: Making Sense of Reading Policy,” highlighted the important connection between literacy policy, special education compliance, and leadership systems that help ensure students with disabilities are not overlooked in reading reform efforts.

This presentation reflected the heart of the Essential Tips leadership series by translating policy into practical, school-based action for educators and leaders. It was an inspiring opportunity to share, learn, and continue advancing conversations that support inclusive and effective leadership. More pictures to come! A few are below!

🌟 Yes I Can Awards – Celebrating Exceptional Lives

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On March 13th, Dr. Nakia served as Co-Chair and moderator for the CEC Yes I Can Awards, a special event honoring outstanding students with disabilities who demonstrated resilience, leadership, and achievement across academic, artistic, and community settings. The Yes I Can Awards served as a powerful reminder of why we lead—to ensure every student’s gifts are seen, celebrated, and supported.

It was an inspiring moment to celebrate exceptional youth and the impact of inclusive leadership on a national stage. More pictures to come, and Dr. Nakia will highlight the conference in the May episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast.

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Strategic Leadership Tips for May

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As the school year comes to a close, May is a powerful time for reflection, appreciation, advocacy, and planning forward. Strategic leadership means using this season to celebrate progress, review student needs, strengthen communication, and prepare for a successful transition into summer and the next school year.

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For Parents and Families

Use May as a time to review your child’s progress and prepare for the next steps. Ask for updated data, review IEP or Section 504 goals, and make sure accommodations and services are documented clearly before the school year ends. This is also a great time to request summer learning recommendations, keep copies of important records, and schedule any needed follow-up meetings before staff leave for break.

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For Educators

May is a time to celebrate growth while also documenting what worked. Review student progress, intervention data, behavior supports, accommodations, and classroom strategies that helped students succeed. Share clear transition notes with the next teacher or team so students do not have to start over in August. Strategic educators use end-of-year reflection to strengthen instruction, inclusion, literacy support, and student engagement.

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For School Leaders

Leaders can use May to examine systems, not just individual outcomes. Review special education compliance, Section 504 implementation, MTSS data, attendance, discipline, literacy progress, and family engagement trends. Recognize teachers and staff for their work, but also identify where training, staffing, procedures, or communication must improve. Strong strategic leadership means closing the year with appreciation and beginning planning for a stronger, more inclusive school year ahead.

Edufaith Reminder

May reminds us that appreciation and accountability can go hand in hand. When families, educators, and leaders reflect with purpose, communicate clearly, and plan intentionally, students are better supported through every transition. At Edufaith, we continue to restore faith in education, one student at a time, by helping school communities lead with clarity, compassion, and commitment.