| 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. |