COE student organization raises funds for WJMS special education program

November 7, 2016

Pictured l-r: SCEC President Emily Lewis, WJMS Teacher Elizabeth Deal, and SCEC Historian Shannon Moore

The Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) of Georgia Southern presented a donation to local special education teacher Elizabeth Deal on October 27. An educator at William James Middle School, Deal was trying to raise money to purchase new program materials to assist students with autism in enhancing their development of social skills. The SCEC’s donation fulfilled the remaining funds she needed.

“These program materials can be very expensive,” explained SCEC President Emily Lewis. “Ms. Deal is someone we observed in the classroom setting before, and we thought this was a great project. We know the money will go to good use in improving the education of her students.”

Funds were generated through a fundraiser night at a local restaurant. Lewis, a senior special education major, said many members of the community supported their efforts by dining and leaving additional donations for Deal’s project.

SCEC members are education majors who coordinate with the local community to provide service work for students with disabilities. Georgia Southern’s SCEC participate in activities such as the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk in Savannah and the local Parent to Parent Prom. SCEC hosts several fundraisers throughout the year to provide funding to projects such as Deal’s. Each year, the organization also raises money for the Bulloch County Special Olympics.

“The Student Council for Exceptional Children’s members are passionate and dedicated to serving students with disabilities in our community,” said Lewis. “Giving back to the teachers that work with these students every day is something we care about very much.”

SCEC is a student chapter of the national organization, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

For more information about the Student Council of Exceptional Children, contact faculty advisor Kathleen Tootle at ktootle@georgiasouthern.edu