Beyond the Classroom: Advocacy through Gifted Organizations

Kathy Marks, Ed.S.

Being a teacher of gifted and high ability students is both challenging and rewarding. One can do so much with them academically and watch them grow exponentially. However, there is so much more we can do beyond the classroom. With budget cuts continuing on the local, state, and national levels, gifted programming isincreasingly neglected, which limits the opportunities and growth of our most able learners. Advocacy for these learners is vital to improving their education and lesseningthe impact of diminishing resources.

A gifted advocate supports and promotes the interests of the gifted, usually children, and helps them address academic, social, and emotional issues. Instead of focusing on one child, gifted advocates work so that all gifted childrenmay benefit. To develop advocacy skills, start with being informed. The National Association for Gifted Children(2013) website provides an advocacy toolkit explaining that the “most successful advocates take the role of ‘teacher’ by first informing their audience about who gifted and talented students are and then about the critical need for resources to help them.” Explore the fact sheets and links offered on the website to become knowledgeable about gifted education and the needs of students. Then choose an appropriate audience to advocate to on the local, state, or national level.

One of the best ways to become an advocate for your gifted students is to get involved with organizations that support them. Through organizations you can learn about specific needs and special projects, network with others in the field, and actively support gifted children.To make an impact beyond the classroom, get to know the local, state, and national gifted organizations where you can join and contribute to advocacy efforts.

Local Level

First, get involved locally where you will know the gifted students in your area best. Many school districts have local associations for gifted education. Find one nearyou on the web or through your state association, and become a member. Then attend meetings and make it known that you want to help plan events and work on special projects. This could range from teacher and parent training about gifted students to activity nights to competitions. You could help write the local association newsletter or work with an awards committee. If there is not a gifted association in your area, consider starting one with a colleague or parents from your school. Check with your state gifted organization to find support and to learn more about the process of starting a local organization.

You can also search for local support groups for gifted students, parents, or teachers. There may already be groups formed to join or you may choose to start one depending on the needs you identify for your community. You could meet in person or virtually, maintain a webpage, or a combination of these. Start with “Gifted Online Communities” on Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page( to find social networks, blogs, podcasts, and mailing lists.

State Level

An advocate may eventually decide to think in broader terms and search out ways to assist more students. Most states have a gifted association you can join or at least someone within the department of education to speak to. Through these organizations you can find out about professional learning opportunities, conventions, and events.If your state holds a convention, consider presenting a session on what works in your classroom or area. You can also volunteer to help out during the convention or even plan it. Of course, attending sessions for your own learning is a must too.

See if your state association needs articles for their website, publications, or newsletters. Sharing information and success encourages others to advocate with you. Take advantage of any training opportunities for yourself, and share with colleagues and parents. If there are not any such opportunities, ask for one, or better yet, develop a proposal for one. Another great way to advocate for gifted students in your state is to get involved in the legislative arena. Get to know your state laws and policies about gifted education and identify any needs you could help with. Most likely your state association has already done this and can provide information about what you can do. To find your state association visit

National Level

For those who want to advocate on a national level, become a member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Reading Teaching for High Potential probably means you are already a member, and the organization offers a wealth of information and possibilities to become involved with advocacy. If you have special interests in the gifted field close to your heart, join one or more of the 15 Networks or 3 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to help build a community for advocacy within your interest. In these groups you will work with people from around the country who share your concerns about gifted children and their education. To find out about Networks and SIGs visit

Each year, NAGC holds a convention in the fall for educators, researchers, and parents in the gifted field. The best way to get started after joining a network or SIG is to attend thegroup’s business meeting during the convention. You will get to speak face-to-face with the core group and find out what special projects are in store for the year and other ways you can help. Through networks you can also review session proposals for the convention and volunteer your service during the convention.Again, consider proposing a session and sharing what you know. Attend the convention to learn more for yourself, go to business meetings, and network with other people in the field. The more you know, the better you can advocate. If you miss the convention, take advantage of the regular webinars produced by the organization.

NAGC also has publication opportunities. Share what you know by writing a practical article for Teaching for High Potential or Parenting for High Potential, or a research article for Gifted Child Quarterly.Many networks produce a newsletter for their membership as well. Find out what theme or topic is coming up and write about it.

To really ramp up your advocacy, go to NAGC’s Advocacy & Legislation page ( Here you will find articles about gifted advocacy as well as tools and resources to carry it out. Stay updated on legislation affecting gifted education. As part of the Legislative Action Network,contact your Members of Congress during the legislative process. The comprehensive Advocacy Toolkit provides information and resources for those who aim to be local, state, or national advocates for gifted children.

Finally, make sure you look above and beyond. Other national organizations may provide different opportunities that match your goals and situation better. The Council for Exceptional Children ( advocates for youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. The National Society for the Gifted and Talented ( focuses on providing opportunities and recognition for gifted students. Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted( looks out for the well-being of the gifted. Find the organizations that suit you best and get started on your advocacy journey!

References

National Association for Gifted Children. (2013). Advocacy toolkit. Retrieved from