The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) today announced that Monica Simonds will receive a 2017 Gifted Coordinator Award. Ms. Simonds is Director of Advanced Academic Studies for the Richardson (TX) Independent School District, and she was selected because of her continuing support of all gifted and talented students in her district.  

NAGC will recognize Ms. Simonds at the NAGC 64th Annual Convention in Charlotte, NC, November 9-12, 2017.

“NAGC is committed to providing opportunities and resources to better understand and serve all gifted and talented children,” said M. René Islas, NAGC Executive Director. “The awards program shines a light on those who are making a difference in supporting gifted children as they reach to achieve their personal best.”

The Gifted Coordinator Award is presented annually to an administrator who has made significant contributions to gifted children in their school district. This includes developing gifted programs, identification protocols, or ongoing profession development on the needs of gifted children, as well as advocacy within the district for gifted education and gifted children.

“Gifted students are often not recognized as the special needs population that they are,” said Ms. Simonds. “My goal is to inspire a paradigm shift of understanding both within and without my district to increase awareness and improve services. I am both honored and humbled to receive this award as it affirms the work we are doing, the progress we have made, and the journey yet to come.”

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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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