AAGT Board Members Attend NAGC22

The AAGT Board Members attended NAGC22, the National Association for Gifted Children’s 69th Annual Convention last week. Here’s what they had to say when they returned:

“It was great making new, amazing Gifted Connections for Arizona with the AAGT Board at NAGC!” – Peter Laing, Arizona Dept. of Education

“The NAGC conference is always a time for great learning and networking. As one of our goals is to become a national thought leader, it was wonderful to see how many Arizona gifted teachers and leaders were presenting. I was excited to see that our work on equity is on par and even ahead of some of the work going on nationally. Meeting gifted teachers and leaders from around the US and even the world helped me to realize that there is a vast network of people continuing to work to meet the needs of all of our students. As a team, we had a great time getting to know each other better which will help us to serve AAGT in even greater ways.” – Vicki Greer, AAGT Board Member

“I am so grateful for the continued partnership between AAGT and NAGC! Between the rich sessions, growing deeper in our skills and knowledge, and the opportunities to meet so many practitioners of gifted education to further our state initiatives, I am honored to have been a part of NAGC 2022.” – Becki West-Keur, AAGT Board Member

“As the executive director for AAGT and a steward for our strategic growth, I find so much value in connecting with new partners and reconnecting with our long time supporters at the NAGC conference. I learned so much from the speakers in the space of Gifted and Talent education, and I appreciate learning about new resources that we can introduce to our members from the vendors. I love attending the NAGC conference and appreciate the value it offered all attendees.” – Heather Pace, Executive Director

“I really enjoyed my time at the 69th Annual NAGC Conference. The National Association for Gifted Children has always excelled at providing thoughtful and effective organization. It was during this year’s ” State of the States in Gifted Education” address where I continued to be impressed with our drive and commitment to bettering educational experiences and support for our diverse, gifted, and talented individuals around the nation. I am grateful for the positive collaborations and networking. I am looking forward to “taking another leap” with all during our Annual AAGT conference in January 2023.” – Denise Michele Hicks, AAGT President

It was also exciting for our AAGT Board attendees to see Dina Brulles, Gifted Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley Unified School District, be presented with the 2022 NAGC Ann F. Isaacs Founders Memorial Award.

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.

“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.

From the NAGC Press Release 

AAGT is honored to have had Dr. Brulles with us at last year’s Annual Conference, and we are excited to have her back with us again in 2023 with her Breakout Session ‘Building Inclusive Gifted Services: Taking a JEDI Approach‘ and co-led session titled ‘Achieving Equity in Gifted Education: A New, Promising Approach‘ with Kimberly Lansdowne.

Congratulations NAGC on hosting a fulfilling and successful Annual Convention this year!