TAGT Forum for Advanced Leadership

Grounded in Research. Designed for Action.

The Forum for Advanced Leadership is a research-based leadership development program created specifically for district and campus leaders serving gifted and talented education.

Using the research and expertise of Celeste Sodergren, Ph.D., and Keri Guilbault, Ph.D., as the foundation, the Forum helps participants strengthen their leadership identity, improve communication and coaching practices, build strategic program management systems, and lead instructional improvement for gifted learners.

The full Forum experience includes four self-paced courses and four live cohort discussions, for a total of 8 hours of professional learning. Each topic begins with an asynchronous course and continues through a facilitated discussion where participants can reflect, problem solve, and apply the learning to their own district or campus.

Prefer to learn on your own schedule? Each of the four self-paced courses may also be purchased individually (or as a set) for on-demand access without the live cohort experience.

What You'll Experience

4 Asynchronous Courses + 4 Live Cohort Discussions = 8 Hours of Professional Learning

View Program Overview

Why Participate?

Participants in the Forum for Advanced Leadership will:

Develop a deeper understanding of their personal leadership identity and how it shapes their effectiveness.
Strengthen communication, collaboration, coaching, and feedback skills.
Learn practical approaches for managing programs strategically and efficiently.
Build systems and planning tools that support long-term program alignment and growth.
Gain research-based instructional leadership strategies specific to gifted education.
Create actionable implementation plans tailored to their district and program needs.
Receive up to 8 hours of professional learning.

Program Overview

Asynchronous CouRSE 1

Personal Leadership Identity

This course focuses on developing leadership self-awareness and clarifying the multifaceted role of the District G/T Leader. Participants explore their leadership identity, evaluate their values and priorities, and learn how to align their time, energy, and responsibilities for greater effectiveness and sustainability.

Participants will:

Explore personal leadership identity and leadership style
Clarify the many dimensions of the District G/T Leader role
Identify priorities, values, and goals that guide effective leadership decisions
Develop strategies for balancing responsibilities and maximizing impact

Full Forum Program registrants will have access to attend the live cohort discussion related to Course 1, 1:00 p.m. CT, October 8, 2026.

Asynchronous CouRSE 2

Coaching & Collaboration

This course examines the complexities of communication, collaboration, and relationship-building within educational leadership. Participants learn how to foster productive partnerships, provide meaningful feedback, and navigate communication challenges while supporting teams and stakeholders.

Participants will:

Understand the dynamics of interpersonal and team communication
Explore the difference between win-win thinking and an infinite-game mindset
Practice giving and receiving effective feedback in coaching and evaluation settings
Develop strategies for managing up and strengthening professional influence

Full Forum Program registrants will have access to attend the live cohort discussion related to Course 2, 1:00 p.m. CT, November 12, 2026.

Asynchronous CouRSE 3

Program Management

This section equips leaders with practical tools for strategic thinking, planning, and program organization. Participants learn how to move programs toward greater alignment while balancing long-term vision with day-to-day implementation needs.

Participants will:

Develop a roadmap for program alignment and growth
Differentiate between strategy and planning
Build planning tools such as Gantt charts and implementation timelines
Organize multiple initiatives and responsibilities into cohesive systems

Full Forum Program registrants will have access to attend the live cohort discussion related to course 3, 1:00 p.m. CT, January 21, 2027.

Asynchronous CouRSE 4

Instructional Leadership

This course prepares leaders to guide curriculum and instructional improvement for gifted and talented students at the district level. Participants explore gifted curriculum models, instructional strategies, and implementation planning to support meaningful long-term improvement.

Participants will:

Understand the district-level role of instructional leadership in gifted education
Examine gifted curriculum models and instructional strategies
Evaluate approaches for supporting advanced learners effectively
Create a multi-year plan for curriculum and instructional improvement aligned to district goals

Full Forum Program registrants will have access to attend the live cohort discussion related to Course 4, 1:00 p.m. CT, February 11, 2027.

Full Forum Program

Purchasing the Full Forum Program includes the four asynchronous courses and the four live cohort discussions. Participants are expected to watch each asynchronous course before its live discussion date.

Pricing: $599

Open to TAGT Members + Nonmembers

Live Cohort Discussion Dates:

Course 1 Live Discussion: 1:00 p.m. CT, October 8, 2026
Course 2 Live Discussion: 1:00 p.m. CT, November 12, 2026
Course 3 Live Discussion: 1:00 p.m. CT, January 21, 2027
Course 4 Live Discussion: 1:00 p.m. CT, February 11, 2027

Individual Self-Paced Courses

Choose individual asynchronous courses for on-demand, self-paced access without the live cohort discussions.

Pricing: $99 (Per Course)

Open to TAGT Members + Nonmembers

The registration form will require you to log in with your existing TAGT member profile or create a new profile.

The form will allow you to select between the full program and individual self-paced courses.

You can pay via credit card or request an invoice to pay via purchase order or check. You will receive a confirmation email following your registration with program access information.

Explore the G/T Leadership Pathway

G/T Coordinator Boot Camp

Build your leadership confidence with a one-day virtual workshop focused on policy, assessment, planning, communication, and practical tools.

Learn More

Emerging Leaders Program

Build your leadership capacity with mentorship, targeted training, and peer connection designed to support effective district G/T leadership.

Learn More

Bundle All Three Programs and Save

Bundle G/T Coordinator Boot Camp, the Emerging Leaders Program, and the Forum for Advanced Leadership, and save nearly $500.

Learn More

Take Your Leadership Learning Further

Continue your growth at the annual in-person TAGT Leadership Conference, where district and campus leaders come together to share practical strategies, strengthen program design, and connect with peers across Texas.