Congratulations to Erin Hoffman who was selected as the 2023 Iowa Talented and Gifted Teacher of the Year award. Erin received the award on October 16 in Des Moines.
Hoffman is Prairie High School’s Talented and Gifted Specialist for grades 10 through 12 and is in her 21st year as an educator and 11th year with the College Community School District.
From an early age, Hoffman grew up as a beneficiary of elementary, middle and high school gifted and talented programs and understands the importance of strong advocacy for gifted learners. Hoffman provides her students and families with resources and support while navigating high school and preparing for post-secondary opportunities. “I feel very supported throughout my time at Prairie working with dedicated educators and administrators to best meet the needs of our gifted students,” said Hoffman. “I have been lucky to follow many of my students from elementary to high school and treasure the connections that we have developed over the years. Our students constantly amaze me with all of their wonderful accomplishments.”
The ITAG Teacher of the Year award is presented to a comprehensive public or private school teacher who has exhibited a long-standing commitment to gifted students and their families. This commitment is exemplified by their recognition, support, and respect for the unique and diverse needs of gifted and talented learners through:
- Advocacy: By encouraging informed educational professionals, parents, policy makers and all other stakeholders to take appropriate action for the benefit of gifted learners.
- Education: By strengthening and encouraging the recognition and implementation of practices that support identification of gifted and talented learners and accommodation of the social emotional and intellectual needs.
- Networking: By increasing opportunities for collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders, with the goal of advancing the abilities and developing the potential of all gifted and talented learners.
Click here to learn more about ITAG.
