Gifted Child Quarterly Editor Search

Information & Application Links for GCQ Editor Search

Gifted Child Quarterly is the premier, scholarly, peer-reviewed journal of the National Association for Gifted Children. GCQ published its first issue in 1957 and has contributed original quantitative and qualitative research studies, scholarly literature reviews, and policy analyses focused on giftedness and talent development through its history. GCQ has a current impact factor of 3.7 (2025) with a 5-year impact factor of 4.9.

Applications are now open for the Editor position for the National Association for Gifted Children’s (NAGC) scholarly journal, Gifted Child Quarterly (GCQ). This role may be filled by two scholars as Co-Editors. The GCQ Editor(s) is a researcher with an important leadership role within the field of gifted education, who shapes and guides the research agenda of the field. Among other benefits of this role, the GCQ Editor(s) has the opportunity to connect with other journal editors, scholars at all levels of career development from diverse fields of education, and international researchers; to mentor young scholars; to influence the field through special issues; to ensure that the journal is current with best practices regarding all aspects of the review and publication process; to build an editorial review board; to gain exposure to the breadth of the field as well as early access to new research; and to grow professionally. Applications must be received by December 31, 2026 for consideration.

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Editor Responsibilities:

The GCQ Editor(s) is responsible for soliciting, reviewing, and editing appropriate manuscripts for publication in the field’s premier academic journal. GCQ and its editorial team follow the COPE Guidance on Publication Ethics. The GCQ Editor(s) must guide the journal issues—four per year—from inception to production. The GCQ Editor(s) serves for a four-year term. GCQ currently receives about 200 manuscripts annually, with 70% proceeding through review. The GCQ Editor(s) are encouraged to build a team to help with completion of the work, including 3-4 associate editors, a managing editor, and proofreader. The GCQ Editor(s) is also supported by the GCQ Editorial Advisory Board, the GCQ Editorial Review Board, the NAGC Association Editor, and an NAGC staff liaison. The new editor or co-editors will start their term with training in May 2027, with Winter 2028 being their first issue. Learn more about what the role of GCQ Editor(s) looks like in this blog post from the current editor.

The GCQ Editor(s) has a budget between $20,000 and $25,000 annually from NAGC to support their work and that of the editorial team and other proposed support staff. NAGC is available to help editor(s) identify appropriate editorial and other support staff. NAGC provides the GCQ Editor(s) with complimentary convention registration and a convention travel stipend during the duration of their contract, as well as convention registration support for the managing editor and associate editors.

Selection Criteria:

Demonstrates deep and broad knowledge of the scholarship related to talent development and gifted education, including psychological, educational, and equity issues, as well as understanding of policy and practice within the field.
Demonstrates an understanding of varied research methodologies (e.g., via teaching assignments in methodology, personal published research work, supervision of doctoral students, etc.).
Demonstrates evidence of adequate support, which could, but is not required to, include institutional support (e.g., administrative support) and quality candidates for assistant/associate editor(s)).
Demonstrates evidence of previous review and editing experience, particularly with peer-reviewed journals.
Demonstrates evidence of the ability to communicate clearly with authors.
Demonstrates ability to guide authors and encourage improvement of manuscripts.
Demonstrates facility or comfort with technology commonly used with scholarly journals (e.g., as editor, reviewer, journal article author), including online submission portals and editing tools.
Can devote a sufficient amount of time on a regular basis to the editorship.
Demonstrates competence in managing a team, budgets, and projects.
Has a track record of consistently meeting deadlines associated with review and production schedules.
Has a history of productive collaboration that would facilitate the cultivation of new contributors to GCQ (e.g., from outside our field).
Articulates an understanding of and willingness to abide by official NAGC Publications Policies.
Articulates a willingness to work with the NAGC Association Editor, Board of Directors, and NAGC staff as needed and as defined within NAGC regulations and policy (e.g., generate reports) and demonstrates through previous employment or experience an ability to work as a member of a team.

Eligibility:

The GCQ Editor(s) may not hold another NAGC office or leadership position (e.g., network or committee chair) during their editorship, nor may the GCQ Editor(s) hold other positions that create a conflict of interest. Two people may apply as co-editors. (If you are interested in co-editorship, but need assistance identifying another scholar, please reach out to NAGC staff.)

How to Apply:

Prospective applicants must submit the following by December 31, 2026:

A letter of application addressing the candidate’s ability to meet the criteria stated above.
A curriculum vita that highlights significant scholarly activity and qualifications.
A list of 3 references, with names, emails, and phone numbers, including individuals with knowledge about the candidate’s editorial and/or editorial review experience and qualifications regarding the criteria listed above.
A one-page proposed team plan and budget to manage the GCQ editorial functions. The plan should distinguish between a candidate’s institutional support, if applicable (both in-kind and any direct financial support/resources), and NAGC funding (see above information). The plan should include the number of proposed additional personnel and their roles and responsibilities. For example, your team might include a managing editor, multiple associate editors, a proofreader, and graduate assistants. Please note that your support team may come from institutions or universities other than your own and your initial team plan does not need to include specific names.

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Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes the NAGC Association Editor and the GCQ Editor Search Committee. Finalists will be interviewed and may be asked to complete a performance task similar to one required of a journal editor. Additionally, references will be contacted by the search committee leadership.

The NAGC President, in consultation with an appointed committee, will make a candidate recommendation to the NAGC Board of Directors. The new editor will work with the current editor on a transition plan and training beginning early summer 2027 and will be responsible for 4 issues of the journal per year.

Applicants must complete the online GCQ Editor application by December 31, 2026. Any questions should go to lcompton@nagc.org.