Promoting the needs of the gifted in North Dakota through advocacy, education, and research. |
President's Welcome! |
I wholeheartedly believe that NDAGC is an organization which is vitally important within our state. The reasons for this can be found within our mission: Advocacy- Gifted Education has always needed strong advocates. NDAGC provides our state’s only resource about the needs of gifted children for parents, teachers, administrators, and other interested community members. I believe now more than ever advocates for the needs of Gifted Children in North Dakota must make efforts to come together in order to give a voice to those needs. Education- When best practices are implemented, students receiving gifted education services are provided with powerful tools and supports necessary for their growth and development. As an organization, we strive to inform and be a resource for our membership about these practices. Collaboration- We are better together, and NDAGC provides a place to collaborate for all stakeholders concerned about the needs of the gifted. Research- The field of Gifted Education is ever-evolving as new research brings updated best practices. NDAGC connects experts in the field from our state, and promotes the exchange of new ideas and understandings.NDAGC has an amazingly dedicated team of experts serving on our board, each one of whom brings their time and talent to further our mission. In particular, I’d like to acknowledge Past Presidents Yee Han Chu and Ann Davidson. Both were instrumental in making NDAGC the effective organization it is today. Their passion for advocating for the needs of gifted students has helped shape the organization into one which is focused on furthering our mission. Dr. Chu is a master researcher who has done much to support teaching and learning about best practices in gifted education throughout the state. Ann Davidson is an admired leader whose expertise in gifted education is known in North Dakota and beyond. They have left both a legacy, and big shoes to fill. It is with great humility that I step into the role of NDAGC President. Gifted Education is a field I love! I serve on our board as both a parent of a gifted child, and as a teacher of gifted students. My colleagues in gifted education are professional, creative, knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated, persistent, fun, caring, and curious lifelong learners. The parents of gifted individuals I have had the privilege to know are passionate about their child’s growth and development. They care about programs which meet their child’s intellectual, academic, and social/emotional needs at school. Parents are an important voice for the needs of their children, and a great support and source of advocacy for gifted education programs. I appreciate the opportunity to serve NDAGC’s board and members- and most importantly gifted children in the state of North Dakota. Warm regards, Beth Ustanko President/Chair North Dakota Association for Gifted Children |
NDAGC was established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the state of North Dakota on August 18, 2018. NDAGC is an official affiliate of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). NDAGC is founded by teachers, parents, academic institutions and individuals committed to supporting the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research within the state of North Dakota. NDAGC is fully registered and recognized as a "Non-profit Corporation" by the Secretary of State of the State of North Dakota. |
Board & Board of Directors |
Beth Ustanko, MA NDAGC President & Chair Capstone Classical Academy Fargo, ND Subcommittees: Parents & Families |
Ann Davidson NDAGC Past President & Chair Minneapolis Public Schools Minneapolis, MN Subcommittees: Strategic Plan, Website |
Andrea Edstrom NDAGC Treasurer GT Education Teacher (Retired) Bismarck Public Schools Bismarck, ND Subcommittees: Educators, Webinars, Newsletter |
Alicia Schroeder-Schock NDAGC Secretary & East Regional Representative West Fargo Public Schools GATE & Enrichment Teacher West Fargo, ND Subcommittees: Educators, Webinars, Strategic Plan, Newsletter |
Connie Jadrny NDAGC Board of Directors NDSU Senior Marketing Coordinator Office of Teaching and Learning Fargo, ND Subcommittees: Parents & Families (Co-chair) |
Holly Magcalas NDAGC Board of Directors Gifted Education Teacher Minot Public Schools Minot, ND |
Kim Rensch NDAGC Board of Directors Fargo Public Schools Gifted Services Facilitator Fargo, ND Subcommittee: Newsletter, NAGC Affiliate Liaison |
Julie Jaeger NDAGC North West Regional Representative Gifted Educator (Retired) Minot Public Schools Minot, ND Subcommittees: Educators, Webinars, Website, Strategic Plan |
Mikayla Cramer NDAGC Northeast Regional Representative Edmore Public Schools Elementary Teacher Edmore, ND Subcommittees: Webinars, Newsletter |
Ligia Carina Feo de Drago NDAGC North East Regional Representative Grand Forks, ND Subcommittee: Parents & Family |
Anna Adrover NDAGC Eastern Regional Representative Gifted Services Teacher Fargo Public Schools Fargo, ND Subcommittee: Parents & Family (Co-chair) |
Kristy Coopman NDAGC North West Regional Representative Gifted Services Coordinator Minot Public Schools Minot, ND |
Allison Anderson NDAGC Executive Assistant University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND Subcommittees: Newsletter, Website |