TAGT Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted Awards

TAGT is seeking nominations for the 2013 TAGT Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted Awards!
Potential honorees can be self-nominated or nominated by others. Contributions to the gifted community can only be recognized if we have nominations, so nominate a colleague or yourself! The nomination deadline is May 24.

Nomination Form

About the TAGT Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted Award
The TAGT Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted Award is presented to one teacher from each of five geographic areas in recognition of outstanding service, contribution, and commitment to gifted education. The five Area winners will be considered for the TAGT State Rising Star Teacher for the Gifted Award. Members of the TAGT Membership Involvement Committee will review the nomination materials of Area Award winners. From that pool, TAGT selects the State Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted.

The TAGT State Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted is honored at the TAGT Annual Conference. He/she receives a plaque, a two-day complementary registration, two nights of hotel accommodation, and a Lifetime Membership to TAGT (valued at $500).

The TAGT State Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted was created in 2012.

Required Information

• Completed two page nomination form.
• A brief resume (no longer than two pages).

Optional Information (used to strengthen the nomination)

• Up to three additional letters of recommendation (recommend one from a student, a parent and an educator).

Criteria
The Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted demonstrates a commitment to gifted education by:

• Actively working toward gifted certification and/or is engaged in advanced professional development;
• Utilizing instructional strategies appropriate for gifted students;
• Addressing the affective needs of gifted students; and
• Affiliating with professional gifted organizations.

Area Winners
Area winners will be announced by July 15 and will be presented with an award at the TAGT Award Program held during the Annual Conference, December 4-6 in Houston. All area winners are encouraged to attend the TAGT Annual Conference but attendance is not required. Please note that TAGT does not cover area winner registration or related travel expenses.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Lisa Varner at lvarner@txgifted.org. 

TAGT Geographic Areas
TAGT has designated five Geographic Areas based on the Texas Education Agency’s service regions.

2012 TAGT State Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted
TAGT has selected Edna M. Pajela as the 2012 TAGT Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted Award winner.

Edna M. Pajela, a 5th grade teacher in McKinney Christian Academy (MCA), is honored to be the recipient of the 2012 TAGT State Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted. Edna joined MCA in 2007 as the 5th grade Math/Science teacher after several years in ESL and Special Education. She also served as a founding member of the Board of Directors of Philippine Institute for Language and Culture, where she also taught language and folk dance. Edna graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines with a B.S. in AG Economics and Finance and a B.S. Administration and Business from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She worked several years in corporate America as an accountant before staying home to raise a family. She decided to go back to teaching and earned her teaching certification in 2007. Edna is presently pursuing her master’s degree in Educational Technology Leadership at Lamar University.

Edna is born to be a teacher, gifted with many talents. Her dedication in teaching has earned her the love and respect not only of her students, but also of their parents. One parent remarked about Edna, “She devotes herself to ensuring that all students reach their maximum potential. Her encouragement and sincere belief in each child inspires and challenges her students to do their very best. Her stimulating inquiries compel students to think outside the box, and her invigorating curriculum is something parents and students look forward to years in advance, as they await the opportunity to be involved in her class.”

Edna lives in McKinney with her husband Lem and their three children: Jed, Laurence and Hani.

2012 TAGT Area Rising Star Teacher of the Gifted Awardees

TAGT congratulates each of our awardees and recognizes their outstanding work and dedication to meeting the unique needs of gifted and talented individuals.

Past Recipients

Other Categories:

• TAGT Administrator of the Gifted
• TAGT Advocate of the Gifted
• TAGT Parent of the Gifted
• TAGT Teacher of the Gifted