The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) named Jessica Prayer a 2017 Javits-Frasier Scholar. Prayer is a teacher at PW Moore Elementary School in Elizabeth City, NC. She will attend the NAGC 64th Annual Convention next week in Charlotte, NC to further develop her skills in spotting and supporting gifted learners from low income and minority backgrounds. 

The Javits-Frasier Scholars Program recognizes passionate, innovative educators who work in districts that serve students from low-income and minority populations that are historically underrepresented in gifted education. According to federally funded research, students who are living in poverty, are learning English as a second language, and are from racial and ethnic minority groups are 250 percent less likely to be identified for, and served in gifted programs, even when they perform at a comparable level to children in the program.

“Educators like Jessica are critical to supporting the unique learning needs of all gifted and talented children,” said M. René Islas, NAGC Executive Director. “The Javits-Frasier program is an investment in professional learning for teachers and a national cohort.”

“I am so grateful to be selected for the Javits-Frasier Scholarship,” said Jessica Prayer. “This scholarship is a culmination of experiences and people that shaped me today—Each student that I supported, teacher that I collaborated with, administrator that guided me, and parent that trusted me.”

“This year, the Javits-Fraiser scholars will have the chance to provide families with limited financial resources the opportunity to join NAGC through the Parent Membership Fund,” said Islas. “NAGC is committed to providing parents access to the information, tools, and support they need to enhance the growth and development of their gifted child.”

At the NAGC 64th Annual Convention, November 9-12, The Javits-Frasier Scholars will network with, and learn from, other teachers and leaders in gifted education.

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The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is a membership organization whose mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research. 

CONTACT:  Cathleen Healy, [email protected]/202-365-4636

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