Announcement: SELS 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is proud to recognize the recipients of the inaugural Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) Scholarship Program. 

SELS scholarships support educators committed to advancing special education policy and practice. Recipients were selected to help ensure Summit representation from a variety of states, school districts, professional roles, and perspectives across the field of special education. This year’s cohort reflects the diverse experiences and voices that strengthen special education advocacy efforts on behalf of students with disabilities across the United States. 

The SELS Scholarship Program is funded through the generosity of supporters of CEC’s Advocacy Fund.

Kenyon Andrews, Ph.D.

Kenyon Andrews, Ph.D., is a transformational school leader and exceptional needs specialist who works to bridge the gap between educational policy and classroom practice. His scholarship examines relationships between teachers, families, and students and their impact on outcomes for Black students in special education. Dr. Andrews leverages his research on intersectionality and gifted Black students with disabilities to advise on equitable legislation and inclusive practices. As an author and advocate, he collaborates with lawmakers to promote policies that move beyond compliance and foster meaningful inclusion for all students.

Bob Barrows

Bob Barrows is the Founder and Executive Director of the Symbiotic Path Foundation, Colorado CEC Membership Chair, active CASE member, and host of The Golden Ticket to Improve Special Education podcast. With more than 35 years of leadership experience in special education, Bob provides professional learning for school districts and administrators focused on improving transition outcomes and adult success for individuals with disabilities. His work also supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness and hardship through community outreach, food distribution, and service initiatives grounded in dignity and compassion.

Sean Cavanaugh

Sean Cavanaugh is a special education teacher in rural Maine and a Ph.D. student at the University of Maine, where he is pursuing a degree in special education. He has served in a variety of educational roles, including as a general education classroom teacher, coach, middle school athletic director, and special education teacher. As a father of three, Sean values both the educator and parent perspectives in supporting students. He believes in every student’s right to access meaningful learning opportunities that help them grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.

Clarissa Collins

Clarissa Collins grew up in rural Michigan, where her experiences in foster care helped foster resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. She attended charter, public, and private schools, which broadened her perspective from an early age. Clarissa earned a master’s degree in special education and applied behavior analysis and currently teaches K–5 students with diverse learning needs. She is deeply committed to supporting student growth and development. Outside of her professional role, Clarissa enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and spelunking. Sunrise, her favorite time of day, offers clarity and motivation.

Michele Tost

Michele Tost is in her 30th year in education and currently serves as the Director of Special Education for Berkeley County Schools in West Virginia. She oversees special education services for nearly 4,000 students across 32 schools, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Michele serves as the LEA representative for out-of-district placements and leads special education programming for grades 6–12, including autism and behavior disorder programs. Her career includes experience in special and general education classrooms, school administration, and district leadership, including the development of specialized programs for students with autism spectrum disorder. Michele holds advanced degrees in education and educational leadership and actively participates in the West Virginia School Leadership Network for New and Aspiring Superintendents and the WV CASE Mentor/Protégé Program.

Fang Xu, Ph.D.

Fang Xu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and lead of the Teacher Preparation in Special Education Program at Heritage University in Washington. She earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Florida. Her research focuses on teacher preparation, inclusive early childhood education, and practice-based professional development that supports practitioners and families. Her work has been published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Early Childhood Research Quarterly, and Reading & Writing Quarterly. At Heritage University, Dr. Xu leads a project that advances high-leverage practices and strengthens mentorship for early-career special educators in rural communities.