Be the Best Bridge Builder You Can Be!

T he first two months bring many important national observances we celebrate. I can't help but remember the ultimate theme of each of these months: service. Dr. Martin Luther King stated, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." What is critical to our volunteer work is a heart full of grace and souls generated by love.

We are challenged with many expectations that come along with the policies and mandates we serve under in education. Much of this responsibility in relation to each month's celebrations is wrapped into almost 60 years of legislation, where education is provided as a remedy to bridging gaps in poverty and academic deficits of individuals of different races. President Lyndon B. Johnson, seated next to his former teacher and a group of students of Mexican descent he taught, signed the Elementary Secondary Education Act into place. Title 1 under the Act would be Johnson's challenge to education systems to close the skill gap in reading, writing, and mathematics between children from low-income households and students of special populations (later identified clearly in No Child Left Behind Subgroups). Many studies have concluded that this challenge has supported some increases in student achievement levels in low socio-economic populated schools and specific subgroups funded through Title 1.

Through both reflections above, I surmise that our service to education and Johnson's challenge to bridge gaps deems us as the "bridge builders." Our innovation and initiatives provide the substance and sustainability needed for the bridges we build. I encourage you to be the best bridge builder you can be. And I'd like to give these thoughts as encouragement through the characteristics of bridges.

1. Bridges provide essential means of transportation connectivity. As educators, the bridges you build provide crucial connectivity to diverse communities and practices through relationship building and developing appropriate social skills with stakeholders.

2. Bridge costs, the time and funding for construction and maintenance, are extensive. As educators, consider the cost you pay through your countless service hours and commitment. Consider your wins and losses as they have assisted in your development and the bridges you've built.

3. Bridges are checked for safety and security. Consider the checks you provide for yourself and your bridges. Taking care of you and maintaining your success is vital, as your bridges help retain theirs.

Bridges sometimes must be rebuilt when they are no longer safe and secure. I share this thought with you: stepping back and reflecting on what you need to rebuild or reinvent is okay. You do this through continued professional development, reflection, and skill development. A new bridge is built by someone's innovation and drive.

Beyond the above characteristics, I must not forget the encouragement of mental health support. In the words of rapper Ice Cube, "Check yourself before you wreck yourself." It is okay to take a break, get help, or even delegate the things you can. We need YOU.

As your President, I want to forge connections that promote success and keep our beloved Council as a powerful force in supporting education. First, I will focus on supporting college advisors as they develop our future special educator workforce. Second, I will work on identifying appropriate support for school-level administrators as they support the special education profession. I welcome your feedback and suggestions on both initiatives and others as we continue implementing our strategic plan.

I want to thank Andrea Jasper who is now Past President, and Danielle Kovach, our outgoing Past President. They both served our board and organization with exquisite poise and professionalism. Thanks to the entire Board of Directors for their efforts. I welcome Julie Bost, who is no stranger to CEC as a long-standing member and past member of the Board of Directors. I look forward to working with her. I sincerely appreciate the current Treasurer and past President, Jennifer Lesh, who has become my confidante and been a great mentor, colleague, and not just a friend but my sister. Lastly, I will never forget the dedication and efforts of our staff. Please help me give a standing ovation to Executive Director Chad Rummel and the entire CEC staff. Because of you, we are celebrating almost 102 years as an example of excellence in education.

Education will not be its best without YOU. You include all of us. Thank you all for what you have done and continue to do. In the words of Jesse Jackson, "If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against all odds." Be the best version of yourself and keep building bridges.