Looking for a way to make an impact, share your expertise, and connect with other passionate advocates for gifted education? TAGT Committees are where ideas turn into action. Whether you’re interested in building awareness, shaping professional learning, creating parent and educator resources, or strengthening our organization, there’s a place for you.Looking for a way to make an impact, share your expertise, and connect with other passionate advocates for gifted education? TAGT Committees are where ideas turn into action. Whether you’re interested in building awareness, shaping professional learning, creating parent and educator resources, or strengthening our organization, there’s a place for you.
Governance Committees
- Finance Committee
- Leadership Development Committee
- Policy and Planning Committee
Resource Committees
- Leadership Resource Committee
- Parent Resource Committee
- Research Resource Committee
- Equity Resource Committee
- TAGT Knowledge Team
Governance Committees
Finance Committee
Chair: Javetta Jones-Roberson, McKinney ISD
Staff Liaison: Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE
Purpose: Ensure the financial health and sustainability of TAGT.
Focus Areas:
- Oversee the annual audit and financial policies
- Review budgets and reports
- Develop financial resources and income streams
Leadership Development Committee
Chair: Christina Dearman, Ph.D., Immediate Past President
Staff Liaison: Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE
Purpose: Develop future leaders and guide TAGT’s elections process.
Focus Areas:
- Facilitate elections and recruit nominees
- Lead Board orientations and development
- Assess leadership needs and strengthen governance
Policy & Planning Committee
Chair: Cheryl Beard, Garland ISD
Staff Liaison: Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE
Purpose: Support governance and ensure TAGT’s compliance with its guiding documents.
Focus Areas:
- Conduct annual Board self-evaluation
- Review bylaws, policies, and regulatory documents
Organizational Committees
Awareness Committee
Chair: Melissa Saphos, ESC 6
Vice Chair: Audra Rowell, Northwest ISD
Staff Liaison: Emily Armstrong
Purpose: Expand awareness and understanding of gifted/talented education while promoting engagement across the TAGT community.
Focus Areas:
- Advocacy and awareness strategies
- Building partnerships with state and national organizations
- Creating opportunities for community engagement
Education Committee
Chair: Amanda Smith, Alvin ISD
Vice Chair: Elizabeth Severance, Austin ISD
Board Liaison: Rolando Ruvalcaba, ESC 20
Staff Liaison: Kristin Graham
Purpose: Shape professional learning and ensure TAGT delivers meaningful, relevant content.
Focus Areas:
- Guide professional development and training
- Select Annual Conference breakout sessions
- Review conference feedback and improve future programming
- Support online training courses and platforms
- Monitor professional standards for gifted educators
Membership Committee
Chair: Susan Pelezo, Aldine ISD
Vice Chair: Sarah Gibson, Lubbock ISD
Board Liaison: Amy Ellingson, Spring ISD
Staff Liaison: Sarah Vlcek
Purpose: Strengthen and grow the TAGT community through engagement and connection.
Focus Areas:
- Support professional development and networking
- Select Annual Conference breakout sessions
- Review evaluations and guide future programming
- Contribute to TAGT training topics and resources
Resource Committees
These committees focus on creating tools, training, and resources that directly serve educators, parents, and leaders in gifted education.
Leadership Resource Committee
Chair: Kristen Vesely, Ector County ISD
Vice Chair: Amy Chandler, North East ISD
Board Liaison: Tina Moore, Grand Prairie ISD
Staff Liaison: Kristin Graham
Purpose: Create and share resources to support administrators and leaders in gifted education.
Parent Resource Committee
Chair: Christine Williamson
Vice Chair: Tammy Krumm, San Antonio ISD
Board Liaison: Blake Haygood, Austin ISD
Staff Liaison: Kristin Graham
Purpose: Develop resources and tools for parents supporting their gifted learners.
Research Resource Committee
Chair: Travis Hill, UNT Graduate Student
Vice Chair: Eva Baker, Splendora ISD
Board Liaison: Fred Bonner, Ph.D., Prairie View A&M
Staff Liaison: Kristin Graham
Purpose: Encourage, evaluate, and share current research in gifted education.
Equity & Diversity Resource Committee
Chair: Danielle Moore, DeSoto ISD/University of North Texas
Vice Chair: Brandi Jackson, Richardson ISD
Board Liaison: Cheryl Beard, Garland ISD
Staff Liaison: Kristin Graham
Purpose: Create resources and training to support diverse gifted students and those who serve them.
Curriculum & Instruction Resource Committee
Chair: Leny Philipose, Wylie ISD
Vice Chair: Tiffany Williams, Region 4 ESC
Board Liaison: Johnna Rosson, Ector County ISD
Staff Liaison: Kristin Graham
Purpose: Provide instructional resources for educators delivering gifted services.
TAGT Knowledge Team
Looking for a short-term project or flexible way to contribute? The Knowledge Team offers opportunities to work with Resource Committees on specific projects and resources without a long-term commitment.
To get involved, contact Kristin Graham.