A Message from the WDEC President
By, Ruth Nyland
Hello to WDEC membership,
As the new president of WDEC, I am
excited and eager for growth in our state. I want to take a moment to introduce
myself. I have been a member of CEC for over ten years and have also been very
active in the Wisconsin Division of Early Childhood Executive Board. I believe CEC is an organization that
does a remarkable job of increasing professional involvement regarding issues
in Special Education. Personally I have grown as a professional in Special
Education because of the information that WDEC has provided to me. I was born and raised in Eau
Claire where I obtained my undergraduate degree from UW-Eau Claire. I have a master’s degree from Minnesota
State University and my doctorate in education from The University of St.
Thomas. Currently I am an Associate Professor at UW-Stout and have been in this
position for 7 years. I teach
courses in the Cross-categorical program as well as courses in Early Childhood
Special Education. My involvement
in DEC helps to keep me current with changes in the field and connects me with
professionals from a wide variety of expertise. We have a committed board of volunteers for WDEC. These individuals are professionals involved in the field of
early childhood special and want to help make WDEC a valuable asset for all
Wisconsin DEC members. I am
looking forward to the opportunity to serve this organization. A goal for my term is to increase
membership throughout the state. I
would like your ideas as to how to create opportunities for increased
communication by members. I encourage you to make increased involvement your
goal and recruit your colleagues to join WDEC.