Leading with Purpose: How Vision, Strategy, and Community Shape the Future of Special Education
What does it take to lead an organization that serves tens of thousands of educators, and, by extension, millions of students?
In a recent episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson sits down with CEC Chief Executive Officer Chad Rummel to explore leadership, strategic planning, and the evolving future of special education. Their conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how vision turns into action—and how that action ultimately impacts students.
A Calling Rooted in Education
For Rummel, the path to leadership began long before his current role.
“I've always known I wanted to be a teacher. There's never been a time in my life where I did not want to be a teacher.”
That early passion evolved into a lifelong commitment, shaped by personal experience and a deep understanding of education’s impact: “What keeps me committed to the field of education is knowing how it changed my life. I'm a first-generation high school graduate, and if it hadn't been for teachers in my life, I would not be where I am today.”
The Power of Inclusion and Individualization
One of the most defining moments in Rummel’s career came from a single student experience, one that reinforced the transformative power of inclusive education.
“It really showed me the power of what it means to individualize education that it not only makes the student learn better, but it positions them to thrive in the world they need to thrive in.”
That belief extends to all classrooms, not just specialized settings: “When you include a student with a disability in your class, you're including every student, right?” Inclusion, he explains, doesn’t just support one learner; it elevates the entire learning environment by introducing diverse perspectives and approaches.
Strategy That Lives Beyond the Page
Strategic plans often sit untouched once finalized. But at CEC, the approach is intentionally different. “Strategic plans are often printed, laminated, and they're put on a wall to collect dust… That's not the experience at CEC.”
Instead, Rummel describes a dynamic, layered framework: “If done right, a strategic plan is like an iceberg. Much of the contents live below the surface and aren't there for the average person to see.” Rather than rigid metrics alone, CEC emphasizes adaptability: “Because we do it on a quarter-by-quarter basis, we're able to adapt and move forward.”
This structure allows the organization to respond to emerging needs, whether that’s educator shortages, evolving instructional practices, or the rapid rise of AI in education.
The Invisible Work That Drives Impact
Much of CEC’s influence happens behind the scenes, through partnerships, advocacy, and long-term investments. “You're not going to see it right away as a member, but many of these partnerships lead to bigger things.”
Rummel compares this work to planting something that takes time to grow: “It's kind of like planting a garden, right? That first year, the flowers may not come up.”
Staying Grounded in What Matters Most
With thousands of members, countless perspectives, and a wide range of priorities, leadership can quickly become complex. Rummel relies on a simple but powerful filter: “At the end of the day, no matter what voice or concern or suggestion or complaint is coming in, I have to ask myself, how does this affect kids?”
That clarity helps unify the organization: “We have a lot of ideological differences… but the one thing that centers us is support for kids with disabilities.”
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
As CEC begins shaping its next strategic plan, several priorities are already emerging, from educator shortages to strengthening general and special education partnerships.
Artificial intelligence is also a growing focus: “We need to continue to address and evolve AI and special education to make sure that it's not getting out of control.”
At the same time, there’s a renewed emphasis on collaboration across educational roles: “Students spend so much of their time in the gen ed classroom. And what can we do as an organization to equip those educators?”
A Collective Impact
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the conversation is this: CEC’s impact is driven by its community.
“This work is driven by our members and by the field. This is truly their organization.” And that collective effort has shaped the field in profound ways: “50 years ago, the world of special education did not exist. We made it happen.”
That same spirit continues today, through advocacy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to students. “We are truly making an impact on your jobs as educators, whether you can see it or not.”