TAG AWARDS
-
TAG Teacher of the Year
The TAG Teacher of the Year Award honors an exceptional educator with at least five years of experience who demonstrates deep expertise in gifted education and an unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of advanced learners. This educator creates meaningful, rigorous learning experiences, advocates for equitable access to services, and serves as a model of professionalism within the gifted community. Their work reflects a belief in the limitless potential of gifted students and a dedication to helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
-
Horizon Award
The Horizon Award recognizes a rising educator with fewer than five years of experience in gifted education who already demonstrates remarkable skill, innovation, and passion. This award honors those early in their career who are blazing a bright path forward—educators who approach gifted programming with creativity, empathy, and a growth‑oriented mindset. Horizon Award recipients show exceptional promise and represent the future of excellent gifted education across Tennessee.
-
Excellence in Leadership Award
The TAG Excellence in Leadership Award honors a school or district administrator or community leader whose leadership has significantly elevated gifted education in Tennessee. This award recognizes those who champion advanced learners through thoughtful program development, strategic resource allocation, and ongoing support for gifted educators. Recipients demonstrate visionary leadership, a commitment to equitable services, and a belief in creating systems where gifted students can thrive. Their work strengthens not only their own schools, districts, or communities, but the broader landscape of gifted education across the state.
-
Jo Patterson Distiguished Service
Named in honor of Jo Patterson, a visionary leader in gifted education, this award recognizes an individual who has made sustained, transformative contributions to gifted education over many years (at least seven years). Recipients of this prestigious award demonstrate leadership, service, and an enduring commitment to ensuring that gifted students have access to high‑quality, equitable opportunities. Their legacy reflects the spirit of mentorship, innovation, and advocacy that Jo Patterson championed throughout her career.
-
TN Gifted Student of the Year
The TAG Gifted Student of the Year Award celebrates remarkable young people who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, the arts, or service within their community. Selected at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, these students embody the intellectual curiosity, creativity, and commitment to growth that define gifted learners. This award recognizes not only their accomplishments, but also their character, perseverance, and contributions to their schools and communities.
-
TAG Curriculum Award
This award is presented to a TAG memeber or members who have developed outstanding gifted curriculum.