Rethinking Recognition: Introducing the Awards Program Task Force

By Tyler Clark, EdD

Did you know NAGC gives more than 20 awards each year? If that number surprises you, you’re not alone! The NAGC Awards Committee manages and reviews nominations for organization awards, several NAGC Networks coordinate their own awards, and there are even awards for gifted students! This robust award system grew over time and is a testament to our success in bringing together stakeholders from all parts of gifted education.

Our awards system grew and evolved, largely due to the passion and persistence of members like you. We’ve now reached a point where it’s important to pause and reflect. Are there opportunities to streamline processes or implement best practices across multiple awards? Is there anything we should do to provide a consistent member experience with the award system? Are the current awards serving the needs of NAGC members? How can we better engage more members with the awards program?

The NAGC Board of Directors created the Awards Program Task Force to explore these questions and brainstorm ways to ensure the vibrancy and vitality of the awards program into the future. This task force is a time-limited group and will ultimately provide a menu of options for the Board to consider. Our formal charge is:

The Awards Program Task Force (APTF) is established as a time-limited group with the primary objective of providing the NAGC Board of Directors with a comprehensive menu of options, with associated pros and cons, regarding the structure and management of NAGC’s awards at all levels of the organization. The APTF will address key questions pertaining to the current organization, infrastructure, administration, and different categories of awards.

I was honored when NAGC President Shelagh Gallagher asked me to chair this task force. As past chair of the Awards Committee, I have seen the strength of our current awards system and areas where there could be more clarity. My first task was to assemble a group to tackle these questions. After an open call, I am excited to share that we have a dynamic group representing the Awards Committee, network awards, student awards, state affiliates, and a variety of professional roles and longevity with NAGC. The Awards Program Task Force includes:

• Christine Briggs
• Cappie Dobyns
• Chandra Floyd
• Roxanne Hagedorn
• Sarah Jackson
• Joy Lawson Davis
• Celeste Sodergren

In the initial stages of our work, we are asking questions and gathering data. This includes reviewing current awards throughout the organization and connecting with NAGC leaders and members to share their perspectives.

Our goal is for this process to be transparent and inclusive. The task force is not here to change things - our role is highlighting opportunities, challenges, and options for the Board to consider. The task force plans to provide its suggestions to the Board by the end of the summer. Should you have any questions about our work or if you would like to share your perspective on the current awards system, feel free to contact me directly at thomas.clark@wku.edu.