Media Contact: John Segota
Executive Director
202-785-4268
execdirector@nagc.org

For Immediate Release

Iowa’s Susan Assouline Receives NAGC’s Ann F. Isaac’s Founders Memorial Award

Washington, DC (November 14, 2024) – The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Susan Assouline will receive the 2024 NAGC Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Memorial Award for her distinguished service to NAGC and gifted children.

Assouline recently retired as a distinguished faculty member and school psychology professor at the University of Iowa’s College of Education, where she served as director of the internationally renowned Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. While at Iowa, she also became the first woman in the College of Education to be designated as the Myron and Jacquelin N. Blank Endowed Chair in Gifted Education.

In making the announcement, NAGC President Shelagh Gallagher described Assouline as a lifelong contributor to the field of gifted and talented research and professional development.

“For over three decades, Dr. Assouline has served as a leader in the gifted education field, authoring innumerable books, reports, research articles, and book chapters.  She led one of the field's most influential centers.  Her work on the seminal reports A Nation Deceived and A Nation Empowered, which present the evidence supporting academic acceleration, helped shift education policies around the nation,” Gallagher noted. “Coupled with the countless hours she has served in support of NAGC’s mission, Dr. Assouline clearly serves as an exceptional example of commitment to the field. I will be honored to present her with the Ann Isaacs Founder’s Award in November.”

A prolific author and presenter, Assouline has written or coauthored countless books, chapters, and journal articles, and has presented multiple times at NAGC conventions and other gifted education conferences over her career. She has volunteered in various capacities for NAGC, including most recently serving on the Publications Committee and as the Association Editor from 2022-2024. She previously received NAGC’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 2016 for her significant contributions to the field and continuous record of distinguished scholarship.

“I am humbled by this honor and a little overwhelmed by the knowledge of who Ann Isaacs was and what she did for the organization, students, educators, and families,” said Assouline. “I will do my best to exemplify the service of the award’s namesake, as well as the service and commitment demonstrated by the many distinguished prior recipients of the award.”

The Isaacs Founder’s Memorial Awards is named after Ann F. Isaacs, who founded NAGC in 1954, served as charter president of the Association, and spent more than 30 years in the field, establishing two official journals, the Gifted Child Quarterly and the Creative Child and Adult Quarterly. Isaacs passed in 2001, and the first Memorial Award in her name was presented the following year.

Assouline will receive the award during the 2024 NAGC Annual Convention, which will be held November 21-24 in Seattle, Washington.

Download a copy of the press release here: 2024_nagc_founders_award_pre.pdf

About the National Association for Gifted Children

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is the nation’s leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to allow its members to work collaboratively so that all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.

Press Release

Media Contact: John Segota

Executive Director

202-785-4268

execdirector@nagc.org

For Immediate Release

NAGC Announces the 2024 Class of Javits-Frasier Scholars

Washington, DC (September 10, 2024) - The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is pleased to announce the individuals selected to be in the 2024 class of the Javits-Frasier Scholarship Program. The program’s primary goal is to increase culturally and linguistically diverse students’ access to talent development opportunities through educator training and support related to equity and excellence in gifted education. As all scholarship recipients must be working in Title I schools, they also serve the critical role of being catalysts for change in the attitudes and perceptions some educators have historically held, which have impeded the full development of potential in culturally and linguistically diverse students.

This year’s scholars include:

NAGC Board President Shelagh Gallagher said of the program, "I was involved in the early days of the Javits-Frasier Scholars program, and I know how exciting it is to gather together this group of bright, motivated teachers from schools that might otherwise not be represented at the NAGC Annual Convention. The field has benefitted from the leadership of this group of teachers, but more importantly, students benefit when they return to the classroom with new tools to support advanced learning and new perspectives on what giftedness looks like in different environments.”

The 2024 class of scholars will be recognized at NAGC24 in Seattle, WA, November 21-24. In addition to registration to the annual convention, scholars receive a travel stipend and hotel accommodations, a two-year NAGC membership, and attend special programming led by members of the NAGC Diversity and Equity Committee and current and past NAGC leadership, and are paired with a professional mentor from among the NAGC membership.

About the National Association for Gifted Children

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is the nation’s leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to allow its members to work collaboratively so that all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.

Download a copy of the press release here: nagc_announces_the_2024_coho.pdf

Press Release

Media Contact: John Segota

Executive Director

202-785-4268

execdirector@nagc.org

For Immediate Release

2025 NAGC Annual Convention Returns to Pennsylvania
After More Than 40 Years

Washington, DC (September 5, 2024) – The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is pleased to announce Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will host NAGC25, the nation’s largest gifted education conference, November 13-16, 2025, to be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This will be the first time the convention has been held in Pennsylvania in over 40 years and a first for the city of Pittsburgh.

The NAGC annual convention, which attracts over 2,000 educators, administrators, psychologists, researchers, and caregivers, is an opportunity for professionals and advocates in gifted education to share best practices and reconnect with one another during the largest event of its kind in the nation. Attendees will spend several days learning from innovative and inspirational keynote sessions and hundreds of interactive sessions from experts in the field of gifted and talented education. It was less than one year ago that NAGC recognized the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s expansion of its gifted education services with the establishment of the Pennsylvania Gifted Equity Initiative. The initiative is using $3.5 million in Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Student Education grant funding to develop systemic support to close the excellence and achievement gap identified in Pennsylvania school districts. 

“Pennsylvania’s Gifted Equity Initiative is just one example of the like-minded work that NAGC and the state of Pennsylvania are each doing to expand access to gifted education programming in schools across the country,” said NAGC Executive Director John Segota. “Our members can be assured that both the great city of Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania will provide a terrific setting for this annual event focused on supporting gifted and talented students.”

Dave Mendell, President of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE), the Host Affiliate for the convention, said PAGE and the Pennsylvania Department of Education together represent the “keystone” of support for gifted education across the state. “PAGE is excited to share with the attendees of NAGC 2025 in Pittsburgh our efforts to research best practices, secure increased funding for gifted programs, offer diverse training opportunities, and bridge the gap between families and educators of gifted students," added Mendell

More information on NAGC25 will be available in the coming months on NAGC’s website and social channels, with a call for proposals scheduled to be released at the end of the year.

About the National Association for Gifted Children

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is the nation’s leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to allow its members to work collaboratively so that all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.

Download a copy of the press release here: nagc_2025_annual_conference_.pdf

The new fund will help sustain the Association’s Javits-Frasier Scholar Program, which identifies and develops the talents of passionate educators who work in Title I schools or schools with a high percentage of students from low-income and minority populations. The fund will provide scholarships for selected teachers to attend the NAGC Annual Convention, where they will receive professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Applications for the 2025 Javits-Frasier Scholar Program will open next spring.

“The focus of my work in gifted education over the past 40+ years has been research on and development of equitable identification procedures,” said Dr. Naglieri when discussing establishing the new fund. “While at NAGC conventions, my wife, Kathleen, and I have met outstanding Javits-Frasier Scholars who are also committed to this mission. In instituting the Naglieri/Kryza Fund, we wish to support this important program that assists educators working in Title I schools, recognizes the strengths of minoritized students, and develops services for our marginalized communities. We especially appreciate and thank NAGC for partnering with us to achieve these important goals,” he concluded.

NAGC Executive Director John Segota commented on the new fund, “We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Naglieri and Ms. Kryza for their generosity and commitment to gifted education. Their donation will enable us to ensure the longevity of the Javits-Frasier Scholar Program, which is a cornerstone of NAGC's efforts to increase culturally and linguistically diverse students’ access to talent development opportunities through educator training and support related to equity and excellence in gifted education. We look forward to welcoming more teachers from diverse backgrounds and contexts to our community of gifted educators and advocates. 

Dr. Naglieri and Ms. Kryza, along with the 2024 class of Javits-Fraiser scholars, will be recognized at NAGC24 in Seattle, Washington, November 21-24, 2024.

Download a copy of the press release here

“NAGC has always been committed to advancing the development of gifted and talented children from all backgrounds and cultures, and every neighborhood in the nation,” said NAGC President Dr. Shelagh Gallagher. “Excelencia Latina is our effort to lift up and reward the outstanding achievements of Latino students, who are a growing and vibrant segment of our society. I’m grateful to Andres Melendez for his vision and leadership in creating this program, and I look forward to celebrating the first cohort of recipients at our 2024 Convention,” said Gallagher.

“I’m thrilled to see Excelencia Latina come to life,” said Andres Melendez, a long-time NAGC Parent Member from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who was instrumental in creating the new scholarship fund. “This scholarship is a way of honoring the contributions and potential of Latino students, who are often overlooked and underserved in gifted education. I hope this program will inspire more Latino students to pursue their passions and dreams and to become leaders and innovators in their field,” he concluded.

Excelencia Latina Scholarships will be awarded to students of Latin/Hispanic descent who are enrolled in a public middle or high school and who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Participate in accelerated learning opportunities,
• Exemplary achievement in academics, leadership, or creativity, or
• Winner of state or national academic competitions

Recipients will be recognized at NAGC24, which will be held in Seattle, Washington, from November 21-24, 2024. Each recipient will receive a $300 scholarship, and their parents will receive a one-year Parent Membership to NAGC.

Applications for Excelencia Latina Scholarships are open through May 31, 2024. Applicants must submit an online application form, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor, and a personal statement describing their achievements and goals.

Those wishing to support the new Excelencia Latina Scholarship fund can donate online here.

Download a copy of the press release here.

Robinson serves as a Distinguished Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is the Founding Director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education. She specializes in developing talents within the school setting, evidence-based practices in gifted education, and biography as research and curricular intervention.

Dedicating over 20 years of service to the NAGC Board of Directors, she served as the Association’s president from 2009-11. In addition to her commitment to the board, Robinson was editor of NAGC’s peer-reviewed journal, Gifted Child Quarterly, and served on several networks and committees over the years, including her recently concluded term as Chair of the Leadership Development Committee. Previously, Robinson was recognized by NAGC in 2012 with the Distinguished Scholar Award, in 2006 with the Distinguished Service Award, the Early Leader Award in 1990, and the Early Scholar Award in 1986.

In addition to the Mahony Center for Gifted Education, she founded the Arkansas Advanced Placement Teacher Professional Development Institute and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute at Purdue University. Over the course of her academic career, she has secured more than $30 million in external funding for research and service, including five federal Javits grants for demonstration projects in curriculum, instruction, and evaluation focused on talented children from low-income households. 

“I grew up in NAGC—first attending as a doctoral student — so finding myself with the Ann Fabe Isaacs Founders Award is truly, truly humbling,” remarked Robinson upon being named the award’s recipient. “Previous awardees were giants in the field; Mary Frasier, the first recipient, was someone under whose presidency I served on the NAGC Board, and the second recipient was my own Purdue mentor, John Feldhusen. Being honored among such a pantheon of Isaacs Award recipients is still not quite real.” She continued, “Thinking we were connecting over other NAGC tasks, Shelagh Gallagher delivered the news on Zoom. I’m pretty sure my jaw literally dropped, and all composure was gone, but you’d have to ask Shelagh to corroborate that!”

“Ann is a natural recipient of the Founders Award as NAGC enters its 70th year. Her contributions to NAGC are many and varied, from serving as president to leading the Leadership and Development Committee,” remarked NAGC Board President Shelagh Gallagher. “She's been active in Networks, served on numerous task force initiatives -- and that's just a start. Ann also cares about the history of this organization and knows the drive and determination that Ann Fabes Isaacs gave to the Association. Ann Robinson has demonstrated a similar commitment,” Gallagher concluded.

Robinson will be presented with the NAGC Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Memorial Award at NAGC23 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, November 9-12.

Download a copy of the full press release here

•  Brooklyn Braun, Wallace Middle School – Academic Academy, Waterbury, Connecticut 
•  Brittany Freudemann, Highland Elementary School, Hamilton, Ohio 
•  Annessa Melnick, Munger Mountain Elementary, Jackson, Wyoming
•  Sean Mournighan, Glenn Elementary, Durham, North Carolina
•  Rupa Narayanan, World Language Middle School, Columbus, Ohio
•  Christina Nidowicz, Washington Middle School, Wood-Ridge, New Jersey
•  Megan Rose, Kings Beach Elementary, Kings Beach, California
•  Lauren Smithey, Indian Hills Elementary, North Little Rock, Arkansas 
•  Sara Snider, McElwain Elementary, Thornton, Colorado 
•  Zachary Zache, Roadrunner Elementary School, Marana, Arizona

"I was involved in the early days of the Javits-Frasier Scholars program, and I know how exciting it is to gather together this group of bright, motivated teachers from schools that might otherwise not be represented at the NAGC Annual Convention. The field has benefitted from the leadership from this group of teachers, but more importantly, students benefit when they return to the classroom with new tools to support advanced learning, and new perspectives on what giftedness looks like in different environments,” said NAGC Board President Shelagh Gallagher.

This year’s scholars will be recognized during NAGC’s Annual Convention, NAGC23, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, November 9-12.

Download a copy of the press release here

Over the next five years, NAGC and SENG will work cooperatively to advance the field of gifted education and further support the needs of gifted and talented students. Initiatives in this agreement include presenting at each organization’s annual conference, sharing resources and best practices through a knowledge exchange, and jointly creating webinars, workshops, and other training opportunities for educators and other professionals working with gifted children.

"Partnering with SENG is a tremendous opportunity to unite our shared visions and support the needs of children with advanced abilities," said NAGC Executive Director John Segota. "I look forward to strengthening the relationship between NAGC and SENG so we can expand our efforts to reach as many educators, families, and children as possible," he concluded. 

SENG Executive Director Heather Pace stated, “We are thrilled to partner with NAGC to support the emotional needs of gifted children. Gifted children often face unique challenges, and it is important to ensure they and those caring for them have the resources and support they need to thrive. This partnership will allow us to reach a wider audience and make a greater impact.”

Elected leaders from both organizations are also enthusiastic about the new agreement. “This is an exciting partnership!” observed NAGC President Shelagh Gallagher. “It's clear to me that many in the field think NAGC is only interested in the academic lives of gifted children, and that's not true. This collaborative effort will help demonstrate that we are interested in the whole child. We will be forming a working group to create a specific set of objectives and activities to consider. I'm looking forward to seeing how we can share our respective resources in ways that benefit everyone as this initiative takes shape.”

SENG President Lin Lim remarked, “Our partnership with NAGC signals our invitation to all gifted organizations to connect and create added value in service of our gifted community. We grow stronger and better when diverse groups collaborate in areas of mutual interests and goals.”

The first activity under their agreement includes a presentation by representatives of SENG at NAGC’s Annual Convention, NAGC23, next month at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The hour-long session, “Building Strong Communities for Gifted and Talented Students: The Importance of Social-Emotional Health,” will explore the importance of social-emotional health for gifted and talented students and how we can build strong communities that support their well-being.

Future activities and collaborations are under development and will be announced at a later date.

Download a copy of the press release here

Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Award

• Ann Robinson, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Administrator of the Year Award

• Liam Dawson, St. James Public Schools

Distinguished Service Award

• Tarek Grantham, University of Georgia

Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award

• Keishana Barnes, University of Memphis
• Austina DeBonte, Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education
• Annessia Bullard, The University of Georgia
• Callie Turk, Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education
• Yao Yang, Purdue University

Early Leader Award

• Matt Fugate, Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education

Early Scholar Award

• Sakhavat Mammadov, University of Georgia

 Gifted Coordinator Award

• Lisa Ernsberger, Elkhart Community Schools
• Kirsten Maloney, Fairfax County Public Schools
• Elizabeth Uptegrove, Charleston County School District

 Gifted Child Quarterly Paper of the Year

• Scott J. Peters, “The Challenges of Achieving Equity Within Public School Gifted and Talented Programs”
  

 Masters and Specialists Award

• Jay Huston, Johns Hopkins University 
  
• Phoebe Patterson, Johns Hopkins University
  
• Sheyanne Smith, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Download a copy of the press release here

Every year, NAGC convenes over 2,000 passionate educators, gifted coordinators, psychologists, researchers, and caregivers to share best practices for supporting high-ability children and reconnect with one another during the nation’s largest meeting for gifted education professionals and advocates. Attendees will spend several days learning from innovative and inspirational keynote sessions and hundreds of interactive sessions from experts in the field of gifted and talented education.

There are high expectations when looking ahead to NAGC’s first-ever convention in Seattle. NAGC24 will be the most sought-after destination for attendees to deepen their understanding of the latest trends in gifted education, broaden their knowledge of cutting-edge research, and share ideas with colleagues and experts from across the field. After the crowds depart the “Emerald City” next November, attendees will bring the ideas and knowledge they gained from NAGC24 back to their classrooms, universities, and homes across the country.

“With Washington State’s strong support for gifted and talented education, combined with dedicated state affiliate organizations and the vibrancy of the city itself, I’m looking forward to bringing NAGC’s annual convention to Seattle for the first time in our 70-year history,” said NAGC Executive Director John Segota.

More information on NAGC24 will be available in the coming months on NAGC’s website and social channels, with a call for proposals scheduled to be released at the end of the year.

Download a copy of this press release

Dr. Reid currently serves as the superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Previously, Dr. Reid served as superintendent for Northshore School District in Bothell, Washington. In 2021, she was named AASA National Superintendent of the Year for exemplary communications, her work in closing achievement gaps, and leading her previous school system in uncharted territory at the start of the pandemic.

Dr. Reid’s commitment to increasing access, opportunity, and equity for all students in public education led to the creation of Northshore’s Racial and Educational Justice Department. During her tenure, she also oversaw increases in graduation rates for all students, especially English language learners.

“NAGC has a distinguished history of dedicated members who have committed themselves to advancing the field of gifted education and improving the outcomes for our gifted and talented children. I congratulate Dr. Reid and look forward to recognizing her achievements during NAGC22 in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Download a copy of the press release here

• Tracy Bednarick-Humes, Gifted Coordinator, Lindbergh Schools, St. Louis, Missouri
• Amity Butler, Director of Accelerated Models and Programs, Northshore School District, Bothell, Washington
• Cheryl Taliaferro, ASPIRE Academy District Liaison, Grapevine High School, Grapevine, Texas

“NAGC has a distinguished history of dedicated members who have committed themselves to advancing the field of gifted education and improving the outcomes for our gifted and talented children. I congratulate this talented group of gifted coordinators and administrators and look forward to recognizing their achievements during NAGC22 in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Download a copy of the press release here

Dr. Brulles is the Gifted Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley Unified School District in Arizona. She recently served on the NAGC Board of Directors as the Governance Secretary and School District Representative. In addition to her service on the board, Dr. Brulles was previously recognized with the 2019 and 2020 NAGC Book of the Year Awards, 2014 NAGC Gifted Coordinator Award, and the 2013 NAGC Professional Development Network Award. Since 2010, she has also actively supported and served as a mentor for NAGC’s Javits Frasier Scholarship Program.

Dr. Brulles’ work emphasizes and encourages equitable and inclusive identification practices and programming in gifted education. By sharing her interests and experiences, Dr. Brulles supports others in their efforts to develop all of our gifted learners’ potential. Her books include: “A Teacher’s Guide to Flexible Grouping and Collaborative Learning”; “Designing Gifted Education Programs”; “Differentiated Lessons for All Learners”; “The Cluster Grouping Handbook”; “Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classrooms”; “Helping All Gifted Children Learn”; and “Understanding and Using the Naglieri General Ability Tests: A Call for Equity in Gifted Education.”

"I feel honored and humbled for the recognition of my service to NAGC, as there are many others deserving of this award,” said Dr. Brulles. “I have marveled over the tremendous efforts of our members and leaders in the field with whom I have worked and learned. It has been my privilege to contribute toward our Association’s goals,” she concluded.

“Dr. Brulles has worked tirelessly throughout her career to make positive impacts on the field of gifted education and be a thought leader within the Association,” commented NAGC Board President Lauri Kirsch. “Her persistent dedication to the Association serves as a wonderful example to current and future NAGC leaders alike. I look forward to presenting Dr. Brulles with this much deserved award in Indianapolis later this month.”

Dr. Brulles will receive the NAGC Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Memorial Award at NAGC22 in Indianapolis, Indiana, November 17-20, 2022.

Download a copy of the press release here

Dr. McCoach is a professor of Research Methods, Measurement, and Evaluation at the University of Connecticut. She has extensive experience in latent variable and structural equation modeling, longitudinal data analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, instrument design, and factor analysis. Her substantive areas of research interest include gifted education and underachievement. She served as the co-Editor of Gifted Child Quarterly and as a Co-Principal Investigator on several federally funded research grants, including Project Eagle, Project Bump Up, and the National Center for Research on Gifted Education. Dr. McCoach is past chair of several American Educational Research Association Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including the Structural Equation Modeling SIG, Multilevel Modeling SIG, Educational Statisticians SIG, and Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development SIG.

“NAGC has a distinguished history of dedicated members who have committed themselves to advancing the field of gifted education and improving the outcomes for our gifted and talented children. I congratulate Dr. McCoach and look forward to recognizing her achievements during NAGC22 in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Download a copy of the press release here

Dr. Stambaugh is currently the Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education at Whitworth University. Her research interests include students living in rural settings, students of poverty, and curriculum and instructional interventions that promote gifted student learning. Dr. Stambaugh is the co-author/editor of several scholarly articles. book chapters, and award-winning curriculum units and books. Publications include the Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth Curriculum, Comprehensive Curriculum for Gifted Learners; Overlooked Gems: A National Perspective on Low-Income Promising Students, Serving Gifted Students in Rural Settings, Unlocking Potential: Identifying and Serving Gifted Students from Low Income Households, and the Jacob’s Ladder Reading Comprehension and Affective Series. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Stambaugh has held appointments on multiple NAGC committees and served on the NAGC Board of Directors as a Member at Large and most recently, Treasurer, a new term that began last month.

“NAGC has a distinguished history of dedicated members who have committed themselves to advancing the field of gifted education and improving the outcomes for our gifted and talented children. I congratulate Dr. Stambaugh and look forward to recognizing her achievements during NAGC22 in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Download a copy of the press release here

• Krystal Austin, Thornwood Elementary School, Houston, Texas
• Amy Becker, Bryan Elementary School, Omaha, Nebraska
• Miette Brown, John P. Faber Elementary School, Dunellen, New Jersey
• Joshua Denis, La Joya Community High School, Avondale, Arizona
• Kristi Gauthier, Howard Elementary School, Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Ann Hightower, Brenda Scott Academy, Detroit, Michigan
• Rachel Pedigo, Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative, Emporia, Kansas
• Lindsay Samora, Joe Harries Elementary School, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
• Rosheika Vaughan, Tracy Magnet School, Norwalk, Connecticut
• Jamie Volentine, Jackson Elementary School, Norman, Oklahoma

“NAGC has a distinguished history of dedicated members who have committed themselves to advancing the field of gifted education and improving the outcomes for our gifted and talented children. I congratulate these new Javits-Frasier Scholars and look forward to recognizing their achievements during NAGC22 in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Download a copy of the full press release here

• Aakash Chowkase, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
• Rebecca Johnson, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
• Fabio Andres Parra Martinez, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
• Jessica Ottwein, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
• Pamela M. Peters, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

“NAGC has a distinguished history of dedicated members who have committed themselves to advancing the field of gifted education and improving the outcomes for our gifted and talented children. I congratulate these doctoral students and look forward to recognizing their achievements during NAGC22 in Indianapolis,” said Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Download a copy of the full press release here

A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship

Laura Grace Nash, Madison County Schools, Ridgeland, Mississippi

Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Award

Dina Brulles, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Phoenix, Arizona

Administrator of the Year Award

Michelle Reid, Northshore School District, Bothell, Washington

David W. Belin Advocacy Award

Pamela R. Clinkenbeard, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Distinguished Scholar Award

D. Betsy McCoach, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

Distinguished Service Award

Tamra Stambaugh, Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington

Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award

Aakash Chowkase, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Fabio Andres Parra Martinez, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Jessica Ottwein, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

Pamela M. Peters, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

Rebecca Johnson, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

Early Leader Award

Debbie Dailey, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas

Early Scholar Award

Kristen N. Lamb, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Gifted Coordinator Award

Cheryl Taliaferro, Grapevine High School, Grapevine, Texas

Amity Butler, Northshore School District, Bothell, Washington

Tracy Bednarick-Humes, Lindbergh School, St. Louis, Missouri

President’s Award

Marcia Gentry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Gifted Child Quarterly Paper of the Year

Camilla P. Benbow and David Lubinski, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Susan Dulong Langley, E. Jean Gubbins, D. Betsy McCoach, Karen Ottone-Cross, and Del Siegle, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

Annalissa V. Brodersen, Carolyn M. Callahan, and Melanie Caughey, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Masters and Specialists Award

Emily Delinski, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

Download a copy of the full press release here

In announcing the President’s Award, NAGC President Dr. Lauri Kirsch stated “Dr. Gentry’s contributions to the field of gifted and talented education are so immense and enduring that they are difficult to measure, but I know I speak on behalf of the entire Association when I say that we are incredibly thankful for her tireless efforts to help improve the lives of our most vulnerable and underserved gifted and talented children through her renowned research and mentorship. Marcia has surely helped pave the way for our next generation of gifted and talented practitioners and researchers to succeed.”

Upon her selection for the President’s Award, Dr. Gentry shared “Knowing that my colleagues and other scholars in the field for whom I have deep respect find my contributions worthy of this award is incredibly meaningful…We have much work to be done in our field, but I am heartened by the attempts to strengthen and expand opportunities and support for students from all demographics and diverse populations. I have been so grateful to work in this field and do work that is so personally meaningful. The NAGC President’s Award, in particular, means so very much to me.”

In addition to her recognition as the 2022 President’s Award recipient, NAGC will provide an opportunity for friends and colleagues to remember Dr. Gentry at NAGC22 November 16-18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Gentry is Professor of Gifted, Talented and Creative Studies in the Department of Educational Studies and Director of the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER2I) at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She is an active scholar and has received numerous grants to support her work with programming practices and underrepresented populations in gifted education. Earning the prestigious NAGC Distinguished Scholar Award in 2014, Dr. Gentry actively participates in the field and frequently contributes to gifted education literature. Prior to her work in academia, Dr. Gentry spent 11 years as a K─12 teacher and administrator.

“I can think of no one more deserving to receive this prestigious award than Dr. Marcia Gentry,” said NAGC President Dr. Lauri Kirsch. “Marcia’s contributions to the field of gifted and talented education are so immense and enduring that they are difficult to measure, but I know I speak on behalf of the entire Association when I say that we are incredibly thankful for her tireless efforts to help improve the lives of our most vulnerable and underserved gifted and talented children through her renowned research and mentorship. Marcia has surely helped pave the way for our next generation of gifted and talented practitioners and researchers to succeed.”

“Receiving the NAGC President’s Award brings me great joy,” said Dr. Marcia Gentry. “It has been my distinct honor to serve in the field of gifted education and to contribute efforts to a field that can become more equitable and socially just. Of course, none of my work would have been possible without the amazing support from Purdue University and my faculty colleagues and graduate students. I am also deeply grateful to my family, daughter Gentry, son-in-law Geoffrey, and my wonderful husband Steve,” she continued.

“Knowing that my colleagues and other scholars in the field for whom I have deep respect find my contributions worthy of this award is incredibly meaningful and I express my appreciation to Lauri Kirsch, Shelagh Gallagher, and the NAGC Board of Directors. We have much work to be done in our field, but I am heartened by the attempts to strengthen and expand opportunities and support for students from all demographics and diverse populations. I have been so grateful to work in this field and do work that is so personally meaningful. The NAGC President’s Award, in particular, means so very much to me.”

In addition to the President’s Award, NAGC will recognize other leaders in the field of gifted and talented education at NAGC22, its annual convention, November 16-18, 2022, in Indianapolis. NAGC22 is the largest national event exclusively focused on sharing the latest research, best practices, and strategies for supporting gifted, talented, and creative children.

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NAGC strongly supports the equitable and respectful treatment of all gifted learners, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and asks educators to demonstrate compassionate understanding of these students and support them in reaching their maximum potential. NAGC ardently condemns any laws, regulations, or guidance that seek to harm, isolate, exclude, or silence LGTBQ+ gifted students and their allies during their continued struggle for acceptance and equality in schools and communities across the country.

As an organization dedicated to equity for all gifted children, NAGC will continue to work with its members, the GLBTQ Network, leaders, and allies in advocating for the equitable treatment of all LGBTQ+ gifted children.

Significantly increasing the number of seats available for gifted and talented children in our nation’s largest and most diverse public school system, coupled with universal screening and the elimination of a one-size-fits-all standardized gifted identification test, will greatly benefit the city’s gifted and talented children. NAGC is pleased as these actions also run counter to the previous mayor’s plan to end the city’s gifted and talented program, which NAGC strongly opposed.

While the Association recognizes that a great amount of work must be done to address the inequities and underrepresentation that still exist in gifted and talented classrooms in New York City and across the country, Mayor Adams’ plan is a firm step in the right direction. NAGC looks forward to seeing the progress and positive impacts these changes will have on New York City’s gifted and talented children in the years to come.

Cross is currently the director of research at the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary. She teaches educational psychology and gifted development courses in the Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership department and is co-editor of the Handbook for Counselors Serving Students with Gifts and Talents. In addition to research on mental health aspects of giftedness, Cross’s studies in the field of gifted education emphasize its social aspects.

Cross was an invited keynote speaker at the Roeper Institute's “A Matter of Equity 2021 Summer Institute,” in support of gifted education. She is active with Camp Launch, the Center's residential summer camp for low-income, high-ability middle school students, where she conducts research and has created a class on personal development, which emphasizes the development of psychological resources.

Cross was the 2015-2017 Chair of the NAGC Conceptual Foundations Network and is a member of the Society for Research on Adolescence and the American Psychological Association.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to lead GCQ as its next editor,” commented Cross. “For me, it’s a kind of homecoming, having served as assistant editor for GCQ some 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then and GCQ has changed along with the times. It’s an honor to have a part in bringing contemporary research and ideas to the field,” she said.

“Dr. Cross’s passion and expertise in gifted and talented research will be an asset to Gifted Child Quarterly and its readers,” said NAGC President Lauri Kirsch. “Her impressive experience in publications, coupled with Dr. Cross’s dedication to equity in the field of gifted and talented education, will further advance GCQ during her term as editor. I’m very much looking forward to reading her first issue,” she concluded.

All issues of CGQ can be accessed online by NAGC Premiere and Lifetime Members.

Download a copy of the full press release here

The president stated that his FY2023 budget “lays out detailed investments to build on a record-breaking year of broad-based, inclusive growth – and meet the challenges of the 21st Century.” The Association knows that investing in our gifted and talented children, especially those who have been historically marginalized and underserved, is critical to meeting the challenges of a global economy and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment in our schools. Because the Javits Program invests in research and practices to help close the excellence gaps in our schools, reducing or maintaining the same amount funding for the only federally funded program specifically for gifted and talented children is antithetical to the president’s message.

While NAGC welcomes the Administration’s proposed increases for many vital education programs to help ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, NAGC urges Congress to build on the increased appropriations that the Javits Program received in FY2022 and provide the highest possible funding for the next fiscal year.