How We Began

The Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute is tangible proof that one person; or, in this case, one family; can make a difference. As their child entered the public school system, one family learned that the teacher in their son’s classroom was not certified to teach students with exceptional needs. As they talked with others, they learned this was not uncommon. The need to recruit, train and retain qualified teachers had become critical.

Working with their Florida state senator, the family approached the University of Central Florida College of Education with their ideas. A proposal to add an exceptional education component to the planned UCF Academy for Teaching, Learning and Leadership was submitted to the Florida Legislature. With Senator Toni Jennings' assistance, the proposal became part of the 2000 budget. In August of 2000, at a special ceremony, the institute became the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute in recognition of Senator Jennings’ efforts.

A Planning Advisory Board was selected to begin to shape the Institute. The Board members made several fact-finding site visits to clinics and centers around the country. In addition, seven focus groups; made up of families, caregivers, service providers, teachers, faculty, medical practitioners and law enforcement were held to determine the direction of the Institute. A final focus group, to which all former participants were invited, reviewed the themes that had evolved from the many discussions. From this final meeting, the Planning Advisory Board met and synthesized the information into recommendations which were presented to the Dean.

Our Mission

The mission of the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute is to facilitate the development of knowledge and skills necessary to provide education and clinical services for children and adults with exceptional needs and their families through interdisciplinary research, practice and partnerships.

We are working to meet this mission through development of strong community partnerships and by supporting our faculty in the recruitment, preparation and retention of education and related professionals to serve students and adults with exceptional needs. In addition, the Institute provides access to and instruction in assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, families as well as pre-service and in-service education professionals. The Institute also serves as a central communication center for the dissemination of information resources.