NAGC works to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research
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NAGC works to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research
The December 2022 issue of Parenting for High Potential is available now for members
Dr. Jaime A. Castellano
September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, often seen as an opportunity to celebrate the lives, culture, and contributions of the 63 million Hispanics in the U.S. The month is celebrated until October 15 and recognizes Hispanic leaders and historic moments.
What a perfect time to celebrate and pay tribute to the Hispanic/Latino scholars in the field of gifted and talented education. Celebrating who they are, where they come from, and what they have done leaves a legacy for other Hispanic scholars to follow.
My very first scholarly encounter in the field of gifted education occurred in 1980, over 40 years ago. I was just accepted into graduate school at Northern Illinois University’s College of Education, and I decided to take a class the summer before the start of the fall semester. I chose a gifted education course because the description in the course catalog sounded interesting. The class provided only a cursory mention of giftedness among culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. I found this unsettling and that would serve as a catalyst for a career in gifted education.
I was not aware then of any scholars who were Hispanic/Latino. As the years progressed and my interest transitioned to writing, speaking, and advocacy in gifted education, I came across many individuals who inspired me, who mentored me, and helped me make a difference. Through this Blog post, I acknowledge and honor them; as well as contemporary leaders in the field who continue to carry the torch by writing, speaking, and advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse gifted students. The list is in by no means exhaustive; and I apologize in advance if I have left anyone off of it. Please take some time to learn more these important Hispanic/Latino scholars, practitioners, and advocates.
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Hispanic/Latino Scholars/Leaders in Gifted Education: Past and Present |
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| Dr. Ernesto Bernal | 1950s-2000s: Texas |
Deceased Known as the “Father of Gifted Education for Hispanic Students” Mentor, Author, Speaker, Advocate, Scholar, Practitioner |
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| Dr. Norma Hernandez | 1980s-2000s: Florida, Louisiana |
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Dr. Nilda Aguirre |
1980s-2020s: Florida, Louisiana |
Project GOTCHA: A Title VII Academic Excellence Program: USDOE Kreative Kids Mentor, Author, Speaker, Advocate, Practitioner |
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| Dr. Eva Diaz | Late 1990s/Early 2000s: Connecticut |
Co-Author of Groundbreaking Book Titled: Reaching New Horizons: Gifted and Talented Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students Author, Speaker, Advocate |
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| Dr. Rosa Isela Perez | Late 1990s/Early 2000s: California |
Practitioner in San Diego Public Schools Curriculum Research Author, Speaker, Advocate |
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| Dr. Jim Granada | 1980s-Early2000s: Texas, Kansas | Author, Speaker, Scholar, Advocate, Mentor, Practitioner | |
| Dr. Rafael Lara-Alecio | 1980s-Early 2000s: Texas, Kansas |
Scholar, Author, Advocate Interest in Policy Issues |
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| Dr. Virginia Gonzalez | 1990s-Early 2000s: Ohio, Texas |
Author, Scholar, Speaker, Advocate Interest in Biracial and Bicultural Gifted Students Interest in Cognitive and Language Development |
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| Dr. Dina Brulles | 1990s-Present: Arizona | Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner, Leader in the Field | |
| Dr. Michelle Pacheco DuBois | 2000s-Present: Colorado | Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner, Leader in the Field | |
| Dr. Carlota Loya Hernandez | 2000s-Present: Colorado | Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner, Leader in the Field | |
| Dr. Paul (PJ) Sedillo | 2000s-Present: New Mexico |
Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner, Leader in the Field Interest in G/L/B/T/Q Gifted Students |
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| Dr. Nielsen Pereira | 2000s-Present: Indiana |
Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner, Leader in the Field Hope Rating Scale |
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| Up and Coming Hispanic/Latino Scholars in the Field | |||
| Dr. Fabio Andres Para-Martinez | Present: Indiana | Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner | |
| Dr. Karen E. Rambo | Present: Texas | Author, Scholar, Speaker, Practitioner | |
| German Cardenas | Present: Wisconsin | Practicioner | |
Jaime A. Castellano, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized and award-winning educator, principal, author, scholar, and researcher. In 2017 he was recognized as SENG’s National Educator of the Year. As a highly sought-after speaker, he is recognized as one of the leading authorities in the United States in the education of Hispanic/Latino students.
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of NAGC
National Association for Gifted Children
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