NAGC Hosts National Colloquium on Universal Educator Preparation in Gifted Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Keri O’Keefe
Director of Marketing and Communications, NAGC
202-621-5760
NAGC Hosts National Colloquium on Universal Educator Preparation in Gifted Education
Washington, DC — May 26, 2026 — The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) recently hosted its Invitational Colloquium, Filling the Gap: Universal Educator Preparation in Gifted Education, convening around 50 educators, researchers, school leaders, and advocates from across the country to discuss how educator preparation programs can better support gifted and advanced learners. The colloquium was hosted by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
The colloquium focused on the growing need for all educators, not only gifted education specialists, to develop skills in recognizing and supporting advanced student potential. Sessions included presentations on NAGC draft standards for preservice educators, findings from an educator survey conducted in partnership with the AFT, teacher perspectives on universal educator preparation, and conversations focused on equity and access in gifted education. Discussions throughout the event were grounded in NAGC’s Universal Educator Preparation in Gifted Education Framing Paper.
The event featured presentations and discussions led by nationally recognized experts in gifted education and educator preparation, including representatives from NAGC, the AFT, Purdue University, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William & Mary, Chesapeake Public Schools, and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. These discussions reinforced the importance of ensuring that all educators are prepared to recognize and support advanced learners.
“The conversations throughout this colloquium reflected a growing national recognition that gifted education must be part of broader educator preparation efforts,” said Catherine Little, President of the NAGC Board of Directors. “Ensuring that educators are equipped to identify and support advanced learners is essential to expanding opportunity for students in every community.”
Underwriting support for the colloquium was provided by the Dr. James J. Gallagher Memorial Fund.
The colloquium concluded with collaborative discussions focused on identifying next steps and strengthening partnerships that advance educator preparation and gifted education nationwide.
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About the National Association for Gifted Children
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is the nation’s leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to allow its members to work collaboratively so that all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.
