S5.6.5 Practical Programming for Rural Gifted Teachers and Administrators
In a field constantly barraged with policy and resource setbacks, rural programs for the gifted face additional challenges that further hinder the success of delivering differentiated services for advanced learners. At the same time, programs in rural school districts have distinct strengths different from those of larger districts. In this session, we will dive into common mistakes and program limitations in rural settings and share information about how to leverage existing resources to meet the needs of gifted students and teachers. Topics will include identification, program service details, funding, and evaluation through the lenses of community, culture, and place.
Author(s):
Angela Novak
novaka17@ecu.edu
East Carolina University
United States
Angela Novak, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor and AIG Program Coordinator at East Carolina University. She previously worked in both the public education sector in grades K-8 and in central office, and the private non-profit sector, with a gifted summer program. Angela earned her MA from The University of Connecticut and her Ph.D. from The College of William and Mary, both in gifted education. She is the Past Chair and Program Chair of the Professional Development Network of NAGC and is the Co-Editor of a three-volume service publication with NAGC on professional learning in gifted education.
Bronwyn MacFarlane
bronwyn.macfarlane@gmail.com
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
United States
Bronwyn MacFarlane, Ph.D., professor of gifted education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has experience evaluating programs and leading professional development. Dr. MacFarlane published 4 books including Specialized Schools for High-Ability Learners (2018); STEM Education for High-Ability (2016); 20 chapters; and delivered over 150 presentations. Leadership roles included Associate Dean; Academic Dean of Summer Institute for Gifted at Princeton; NAGC Networks Chair of STEM & Counseling; Roeper Review guest editor; and national columnist of “The Curriculum Corner” for Teaching for High Potential. She received the 2018 NAGC Early Leader Award for significant leadership and service to the field.
Katie Lewis
klewis15@ycp.edu
York College of Pennsylvania
United States
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an assistant professor at York College of Pennsylvania. She teaches undergraduate early elementary education courses, and she also serves as program coordinator for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years of experience teaching in public schools where she served as grade chair, lead science teacher, gifted cluster teacher and mentor to student teachers. She serves as Past-Chair for the TAGT Research Division and as NAGC Professional Development Network Chair. Her research interests include teacher preparation programs, motivation, and the underrepresentation of gifted English language learners.
