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4.7.1 Leveraging Organizational Development in Support of Gifted Education
Nonprofit associations are vital to the existence of gifted education because of the state-by-state variability in funding, programming for students, and professional development for educators and administrators. The organizational and leadership structure of advocacy groups can impact how effectively and efficiently they are able to carry out their mission to support gifted learners. Our organization recently has engaged in a process of self-evaluation, informed by best practices in nonprofit management, to insure that our activities further our mission. Members and leaders from advocacy groups will take away suggestions for enhancing their group’s ability to work on behalf of gifted students.
Author(s):
Maureen Marron
maureen.marron.ia@gmail.com
Iowa Talented and Gifted Association
United States
Maureen Marron is Executive Director of the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association. In this position, she coordinates the statewide effort to protect gifted funding in Iowa and works with the board of directors on outreach and professional development opportunities. From 2007-2013, she was an postdoctoral research scholar and then an associate research scientist at the Belin-Blank Center’s Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration, during which time she worked on acceleration policy and co-published articles on academic acceleration. She received a BS in psychology from the University of Oregon and a PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Susan Wouters
swouters327@gmail.com
Waukee, Iowa, School District; Iowa Talented and Gifted Association
United States
Susan has been working with gifted children for the last 20 years. She has taught and facilitated G/T programming at both the elementary and secondary levels, providing professional development for staff and has served as ELP Coordinator for the district. Susan co-founded a parent group, has presented at Iowa Talented and Gifted (ITAG) conferences, is a trained SENG facilitator, and teaches TAG Endorsement courses for Drake University as an adjunct instructor. She has served on the ITAG Board of Directors, co-chaired the ITAG conference, and is currently serving as ITAG President.