NAGC



Providing a high-quality education for all children is critical to America’s economic future.  Education has
always been the foundation for achieving the American dream, providing opportunity to millions of
American families, newcomers, and immigrants.  Our nation’s economic competitiveness depends on
providing every child with an education that will enable them to compete in a global economy that is
predicated on knowledge and innovation.  Progress toward this goal requires a race to the top to reform
our nation’s schools.  It requires holding schools accountable for helping all students meet world-class
standards aligned to the demands of the 21st century workforce.

President Barack Obama
March 10, 2009



Supporting the needs of high-potential learners

An estimated 3,000,000 gifted children sit in classrooms across the U.S. today. Because learning styles
and levels vary widely, the needs of "smart kids" are far too often overlooked in the logical quest to
meet minimum standards.  But that begs the question:  What is a maximum standard and how can we
shift the focus in the U.S.?   For over 50 years, NAGC has worked to increase public awareness about
these key questions and to affect positive change.  The 8,000+ members of NAGC work on behalf of
these 3,000,000 students who represent a good portion of the oft-heralded "pipeline of talent."  Luis J.
Rodriguez, an award-winning author and Chicano activist once said "It is not enough to prepare our
children for the world; we also must prepare the world for our children." We owe it to ourselves and
to future generations to help prepare the world of education for gifted students.  Thus, NAGC invests
all of its resources to train teachers, encourage parents and educate administrators and policymakers
on how to develop and support gifted children and what's at stake if high-potential learners are not
challenged and encouraged.  

You can contact us at:
National Association for Gifted Children
1707 L Street, N.W. - Suite 550
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone:               (202) 785-4268       
Fax: (202) 785-4248
Email: nagc@nagc.org
















































January 2008

Dear Affiliate Presidents and State Directors:

The NAGC Leadership Development Committee is writing to inform you of the new position on the NAGC Board of Directors that
is specifically designated for a state perspective.  This position will be added with the 2008 elections and run for a two-year term.  
Included in this email is the official description of this position and its qualifications and requirements.  We know you have
leadership ability because of your current position within your state.  We want to encourage you to consider this position and your
qualifications and interest in running for election.   

If you are interested, please consider submitting your materials to the Elections Committee at the NAGC address.   If you have
colleagues who are qualified but may not have received this letter, please forward this to them.  Please note that expenses
reimbursed for attending NAGC Board meetings are set at $500 per event.  Expenses beyond that amount are the responsibility of
the Board member.    The Board meets each September, November in conjunction with the NAGC convention, and in March in
Washington, DC.

The positions that are to be elected this year are a state representative, a parent representative, two at-large representatives, and
two officers--treasurer and governance secretary.  Current board members who have served two terms already may not run for
election for a regular board position, but could run for one of the officer positions.  Past presidents of NAGC cannot run for
election to any position. If you are aware of persons who would be well suited for NAGC leadership, please encourage them to
submit their materials.   

To obtain application materials and criteria for running, visit www.nagc.org.  You’ll find information on the home page directing
you to the appropriate spot.  If you have any questions, feel free to call the national office at (202) 785-4268.  

It’s an exciting time to be part of NAGC.  Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for your leadership in service to gifted
children.

On behalf of the Leadership Development Committee,

Ginny Burney, Chair

Virginia H. Burney, Ph. D.
vhburney@bsu.edu

NAGC Board of Directors State Representative Position
I.        STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This policy defines the scope of a state representative position on the NAGC Board, the requirements for service, and the criteria
by which nominees will be considered and evaluated.

II.        POLICY STATEMENT
In accordance with NAGC nomination and election procedures, NAGC voting members in good standing are invited to submit
their applications for the State Representative Board Member position.

III.        DEFINITIONS
Tenure of Office
Successful candidates for the Board of Directors serve for two (2) years, beginning on September 1st, of the year elected. All
elected Board Members are limited to two (2) terms, which may be served consecutively. Past presidents of NAGC may not run
for the Board again at the conclusion of their term of office. Board members may not serve simultaneously on organization
committees.

Number of Positions
There is one (1) state representative board position elected every two (2) years.

IV.        QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications are evaluated by the Elections Committee to develop slate of at least (2) candidates for this position.
1.  Essential qualifications:
•        NAGC member in good standing
•        Experience with gifted children in any setting as a teacher and/or administrator
•        Five years of progressively increasing leadership experience in an NAGC recognized State Affiliate group
OR
•        Currently employment as a State Director or State Consultant of Gifted Education with at least two years in the role
2.  Preferred qualifications;
•        Documented service as an officer, committee chair or employee within a State Affiliate group
•        Evidence of advocacy activity on behalf of gifted children at any level
•        Experience organizing others to support gifted education policies and practices (e.g. head of a local parent group)
•        Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an organization and across organization
•        NAGC Convention attendance
•        NAGC Committee participation
•        Evidence of competency in gifted education
•        Familiarity with governance and finance issues
•        Leadership experience outside of gifted education
The Elections Committee will also judge candidates for re-election to the board on
•        Accomplishments for the organization
•        Evidence of meeting deadlines
•        Responsiveness to communications regarding board issues (e.g. voting, program feedback, etc.)

RESPONSIBILITIES
•        Participate in the development and annual monitoring of NAGC’s strategic plan;
•        Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the fiscal health of the organization;
•        Attend three (3) NAGC Board meetings per year: one in early fall, one at the annual convention each November, and the
other usually scheduled in conjunction with the Affiliate Conference in March. Expenses for Board meetings are eligible for some
reimbursement upon presentation of original receipts;
•        Serve on at least one Board Committee at the request of the President;
•        Represent the best interests of the organization on all issues raised in Board meetings, based on careful analyses of agendas
and supporting materials;
•        Know and uphold the regulations, policies, and procedures of the organization;
•        Represent NAGC positions to individuals and groups with whom the Board member interacts (e.g. open doors to potential
donors, make visits, or identify key alliance partners);
•        Adhere to conflict of interest policy of NAGC;
•        Agree to refrain from simultaneous service on Organizational Committees for the duration of the term of office;
•        Make an annual cash or in-kind contribution to NAGC during the term of office;
•        Make up to two (2) presentations each year to relevant groups on behalf of the organization for no fee; and,
•        Recruit new members for the organization.

APPLICATION FORMAT
All candidates must submit two (2) copies of the information outlined below, which will constitute their application. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to submit all forms to the NAGC national office.
•        Name, home address, phone, and e-mail address
•        Current position
•        Career highlights and history
•        Education
•        Description of NAGC participation (include conventions attended, presentations, committee/division/affiliate work) and
accomplishments.
•        Significant leadership and/or advocacy activities (local/state affiliate or national) including committee positions and other
service provided to gifted related organizations.
Requirements
•        Candidates are required to provide a minimum of two (2) letters of support from, for example, NAGC leadership, state
affiliate officer, state agency representative, or other individual who will attest to their accomplishments on behalf of gifted
children. Signed letters sent via e-mail will be accepted.
•        Written contributions that support the field of gifted education or gifted students: Publications, presentations and creative
contributions.
•        Statement of Candidacy (150 words maximum for inclusion on ballot). The Elections Committee reserves the right to edit
any Statement of Candidacy to meet space requirements on the official NAGC ballot.
•        One (1) digital photograph, which can be e-mailed to the applications coordinator at the national office, or a scan able
version sent by mail.

ACTIVITIES OF CANDIDATES
Election to serve in this association, as it is in other professional organizations, is based on the membership’s evaluation of a
candidate’s service to the field and his or her ability to provide leadership in the affairs of NAGC. Candidates and their supporters
understand that ballots describing the merits of each candidate will be distributed to the membership electronically. Candidates and
their supporters are encouraged not to engage in any organized effort to promote a candidacy. No candidacy may be promoted or
endorsed in any way in any NAGC or division publication.
May 2009

Dear Affiliate Leaders,
A few years ago NAGC began a new program to make it easier for parents to benefit from membership
in NAGC through the Joint Parent Associate Membership. As NAGC’s Membership Chair and Chair of
the Parent & Community Network, I am encouraging each and every state affiliate to give parents the
opportunity to participate.

When someone joins your state affiliate, for an additional $10 s/he can become a Parent Affiliate
Member of NAGC. Your affiliate collects the money and the forms and sends a copy with a check to
NAGC. Often you can get several parents to participate at group gatherings, conferences and other
events where parents gather such as Talent Search Award ceremonies, back-to-school nights, IEP
meetings, regional meetings and more. Membership forms can be displayed at student competitions,
pediatric offices, and schools.

The Parent Associate Membership is a non-voting membership in NAGC, but does have the benefit of
receiving NAGC’s award winning publication, Parenting for High Potential. The $10 fee is a very good
buy in these difficult economic times. This is an opportunity for parents to connect to an even wider
group of experts and those who are struggling to advocate for their children. The support is great!
Here is a fact sheet. After you complete the agreement, please return to Adriane Wiles at NAGC. For
further information on "next steps," Adriane can assist you.
Thanks for all you do around the country for high-ability children and their families.
Best regards,

Kathy Jones
Chair, NAGC Parent and Community Network
Chair, NAGC Membership Committee
1008 Windsor Road
Chanute, KS 66720
kathyjones@cableone.net