Building Community at the NAGC Annual Convention

I teach in the suburbs of Philadelphia, but some days, it feels like I’m in a world of my own.

As a gifted education teacher, I often find myself in a unique role—one that’s deeply rewarding, but also, at times, a little isolating. While I’m fortunate to be part of a school district that assigns a dedicated gifted teacher to each building (a rare gift, I know!), I’m still usually the only person in my school focused exclusively on teaching, supporting, and advocating for gifted and high-achieving learners.

And while I love my job—I often wish I had a closer, more immediate network of people who understand both the joy and the challenges of this work.
In most schools, there are built-in systems for teacher development. If you’re teaching reading or math, there are plenty of workshops, trainings, and resources to keep you current and inspired. But gifted education? That’s a little trickier. The reality is, there often just aren’t enough staff—or sometimes even enough students in one place—to justify the same level of investment in professional development. So many of us end up figuring things out as we go, piecing together ideas and hoping we're on the right track.

That’s why discovering the NAGC Annual Convention was a game-changer.

Two years ago, I attended my first National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Convention, and I haven’t looked back since. It was incredible—walking into a space filled with thousands of educators who speak the same language, share the same passion, and understand the same challenges. It was so energizing to be among people who truly get it.

The range of sessions was amazing—hundreds of choices covering every possible angle of gifted education. Whether you're into project-based learning, looking for fresh language arts ideas, diving into STEAM, or exploring new math strategies, there’s something that speaks directly to your practice. And these sessions aren’t just theoretical. They’re full of practical tools and strategies created by teachers who are right there in the trenches with us.

One of my favorite additions last year was the Lesson Roundtables session. These are fast-paced, 15-minute mini-sessions for teachers by teachers that pack a punch. In just one hour, I walked away with four new strategies I could immediately try in my classroom. I love when professional learning feels that actionable—and relevant.

Of course, I couldn’t skip the vendor hall. For me, it’s like a playground. I love chatting with authors and publishers, trying out new educational games, and exploring tech tools that spark fresh ideas. It’s both fun and productive!

And then there’s the research. Back at home, I try to keep up with the latest articles and studies, but at the convention, I get to hear directly from the experts who are shaping the field. Even better? They’re approachable. You can ask questions, share your perspective, and have real conversations. There’s no ego, just a shared desire to improve how we support gifted learners.

Since that first convention, I’ve felt more connected than ever. I stay in touch with other educators I met there—people who are now part of my extended professional family. We bounce ideas off each other, share resources, and remind one another that we’re not in this alone.

So if you’re a gifted education teacher who sometimes feels like you’re on your own, know this: You don’t have to be. On behalf of PAGE, the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education, I am excited to invite you to our neighborhood!  The NAGC Annual Convention is the perfect opportunity to connect, recharge, and grow. This year, it’s in Pittsburgh, November 13-16—and I truly hope you’ll consider joining us. You’ll walk away with new ideas, new energy, and maybe even a few new friends. I know I did.

Can’t wait to see you there!