Recognizing Exemplary Talent in the Field of Gifted Education

One of the kindest gestures we can make is to recognize others for their contributions. Such contributions are often the result of thoughtful planning, tireless dedication, high standards for quality, and dogged determination. When we as a community stop and recognize those who represent the goals of NAGC, who make notable strides to advance the field of gifted education, and who lead the often resistant to be led, we need to stop and celebrate these accomplishments.

The goal of the NAGC Awards is to increase awareness of the talent exemplified by our volunteers, teachers, scholars, and leaders. Though achievement of an award is not an end in of itself, such recognition often fuels the motivational fire that burns within individuals, keeping their commitment alive and stoking the fires within.

As Alan Alda once said, “Awards can give you a tremendous amount of encouragement to keep getting better, no matter how young or old you are.”

Please take a few moments to consider those colleagues and peers who have shown distinguished leadership or scholarship, extraordinary promise early in their research career, tremendous vision and direction within their districts and communities, or who show evidence of great potential as doctoral students, master’s students, and as recent graduates.

When we recognize the talents of our peers, we celebrate the field. Let’s make sure we celebrate with gusto at our Convention in Charlotte, NC, where we will recognize the accomplishments of our esteemed colleagues and peers. The online awards nomination site is open until March 15.

A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship
For teachers of grades K-12 who have shown excellence in teaching gifted students and a commitment to furthering the development of their teaching skills.  

Administrator Award
This award is presented to a school administrator outside the field of gifted education who has advanced gifted education in his or her school district.

Community Service Award
Presented to an individual who has made the most significant contribution to the development of gifts and talents in young people.

David W. Belin Advocacy Award
Presented to an individual inside or outside the field who has been a consistent advocate on behalf of gifted students and a voice for supporting gifted services in school settings.

Distinguished Scholar Award
Presented to the individual who has made the most significant and continued contribution to the field of education regarding gifted and talented individuals.

Distinguished Service Award
Presented to an individual who has made the most significant contribution to the field of gifted education through a long and fruitful association with NAGC.

Doctoral Student Awards
Up to five awards are given to individuals who exhibit the highest and most consistent degree of scholarship in the gifted education field.

Early Leader Award
Given to an individual who has exhibited the highest and most consistent degree of leadership in the gifted education field since receiving his or her doctorate.

Early Scholar Award
Presented to an individual who has made significant contributions in conducting and reporting research regarding the education of gifted and talented individuals.

Gifted Coordinator Award
Presented to a current (or serving within the past year) district gifted coordinator/administrator who has had a significant and positive impact on the gifted students in his or her district.  

Hollingworth Award
This international award was created to encourage educational and psychological research studies of potential benefit to gifted and talented children.

Master's and Specialist Award
For those who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and in increasing knowledge about and creating positive classroom and community environments for gifted students.