Countdown to TED 2025: Getting Ready Together
Authors: Yerin Seung; info@ciddl.org
This year, the Teacher Education Division (TED) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) will be meeting in Kansas City, right in CIDDL’s backyard! The CIDDL team is excited to share its upcoming sessions, engage with colleagues from across the country, and continue conversations about innovation, accessibility, and the future of educator preparation in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). This CIDDL Office Hours offered a sneak peek into what to expect at TED 2025 and how attendees can make the most of their time at the conference.
CIDDL at TED 2025: What to Expect
TED 2025 promises a robust lineup of sessions focused on special education, teacher preparation, and emerging technologies. CIDDL will be actively contributing through several key presentations and discussions:
- Leveraging Open-Source and AI Tools in STEM and Teacher Education (Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 10:00 am – 10:50 am in Pershing Place North)
Presenters from CIDDL: Drs. Lisa Dieker, James Basham, Eleazar Vasquez, Matthew Marino
In an era where technology permeates every facet of our lives, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educator preparation and professional development is not just a trend but a necessity. This three-hour pre-conference session delves into the transformative power of AI in shaping the future of education. Participants will explore innovative approaches to incorporating AI into teacher training programs and ongoing professional development through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities. From personalized learning experiences to adaptive assessment tools, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance inclusivity, cater to diverse learning needs, and foster educator excellence. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of education, leveraging AI to empower educators and ensure equitable outcomes for all learners.
- The Impact of AI on All Learners: What it Means for Preparing Educators (Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm in Century A)
Presenters from CIDDL: Drs. James Basham, Angelica Fulchini Scruggs, Matthew Marino, Sean Smith
This session explores how AI transforms education for all learners, focusing on special education and teacher preparation. Attendees will explore the opportunities and challenges of AI, learn strategies for all learners, and gain resources to equip future educators with the knowledge and tools necessary for the purposeful integration of AI.
- Keynote Panel: Preparing Special Educators in a Time of Uncertainty: Strategies for Advocacy, Equity, and Excellence (Thursday, November 13, 2025, 9:00 am – 9:50 am in Century C)
Presenter from CIDDL: Dr. James Basham
How teacher preparation programs can respond to political scrutiny, limited federal support, and growing public skepticism—while advancing equity, excellence, and advocacy in special education.
- AI State Guidance: What it Means for Preparing Special Education Teachers (Thursday, November 13, 2025, 11:00 am – 11:50 am in Century A)
Presenters from CIDDL: Dr. James Basham, Yerin Seung, Dr. Angelica Fulchini Scruggs
Discover how emerging state-level AI guidance is shaping the future of K–12 classrooms, especially for students with disabilities. This session examines key themes, gaps, and opportunities in policy, offering actionable insights for special education teacher preparation and ensuring that AI benefits all learners.
For those unable to attend in person, CIDDL will share follow-up blog posts and highlights summarizing each session. Stay tuned to the CIDDL website and social media channels.
Making the Most of Your TED Experience
Conferences like TED are not just about attending sessions—they’re about connection, learning, and community. Here are some expert tips shared during the Office Hours discussion:
- Plan Ahead.
Use the TED app (EventScribe) to browse sessions in advance, mark your must-attend presentations, and build your personal schedule. The app is regularly updated, so check back often for new sessions or room changes. - Engage Intentionally.
Prepare a few questions before attending sessions. Asking presenters thoughtful questions not only deepens your learning but also opens doors for conversation and collaboration. - Network and Socialize.
Don’t skip the informal networking opportunities at the conference. Connect with colleagues, meet new collaborators, and introduce yourself to presenters and researchers. Bring your “elevator speech” about your work—especially helpful for doctoral students and early-career scholars.
Join the conversation in our community!
Whether you’re presenting, attending, or following along virtually, TED 2025 is an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of educators, researchers, and innovators committed to advancing inclusive education through technology. If you can’t make it to Kansas City this year, don’t miss the upcoming blog posts that will unpack key takeaways from each CIDDL-led session. Follow along at CIDDL.org, LinkedIn, Facebook, and the CIDDL community to stay engaged before, during, and after TED 2025!