Recognition

Teacher Recognition program is designed to shine a light on teachers who bring gifted and talented elements into the classroom. Please tell us about a teacher who has had a 'big picture' impact on your child. This teacher did more than just provide students with a challenge in the classroom, they included the traits of inspiration, humor, motivation, understanding, assessment and follow through into each of their lessons.

This teacher might be intriguing, thus, inspiring their students to ask more questions. Or, this might be the teacher who provides multiple options for students when presenting assignments/assessments/projects. Outstanding teachers use tiered or compacted assignments which allows students to focus on skills at different levels of complexity and abstraction based on individual needs.

We are looking for that teacher who really understands the gifted learner and the culture of the classroom. If you know of a teacher who fits any of these descriptions, please nominate that teacher for the SAGT Teacher Recognition Program by contacting us at SAGTpresident76092@gmail.com

In your nomination please include the following information: teacher name/grade, campus, the reason for nomination, and if you wish to remain anonymous. Thank you so much for helping SAGT honor our outstanding teachers!

Recent Teacher Recognition Honorees

  • 2017-18: DMS Media Mania teacher, Adam Burns, is recognized for writing curricula to create an advanced computer coding class that aligns with the CHS Comp Sci coursework. JES 4th grade Math & Science teacher, Andrea Mendoza, is recognized for creating unique math enrichment to help advanced students love math. EIS 6th grade Accelerated Math teacher, Mr. John Kreigshauser, is recognized for teaching math with a contagious passion that inspires his students to realize math as an enlightening, empowering life skill.

  • 2016-17: DMS GTLA teachers, Ginny Wenger and Christin Keller, are recognized for introducing Growth Mindset strategies in their classrooms and helping students apply those concepts in their Passion Projects.

  • Summer 2016: A warm thank you to Melissa Bailey for her amazing leadership as the Director of Camp Invention!

  • 2015-16: WGES 4th grade teacher, Ms. Clarrissimeaux, is recognized for her enthusiasm for learning and her ability to encourage each child to “dig deeper” when reading and writing. She challenges each child to redefine their personal best with each classroom task.

  • 2014-2015: EIS 5th grade Math teacher, Becca Calvert is recognized for differentiating using in-class cluster groups and a variety of instructional strategies. For example, math students were given a choice to create PowerPoint slides, use QR codes or create a brochure to demonstrate mastery of multiplication and division.

State

TAGT has an award program to honor and recognize outstanding individuals and groups that have demonstrated a commitment to the gifted community in Texas. The awards are presented in recognition of service, contribution, and commitment to gifted education.

The four state award categories are Educator of the Gifted, Administrator of the Gifted, Advocate of the Gifted, and Parent Group of the Gifted.

For more information: http://www.txgifted.org/state-awards

The Texas Association for Gifted & Talented (TAGT) named Karen Otto, CHS English 2 GT teacher, as the 2018 TAGT Educator of the Gifted Award recipient. Ms. Otto works hard to bring innovative, creative teaching to the classroom and takes her students out into the community. Thank you Ms. Otto - this award is well deserved!