I would like to ask the readers of this blog to consider joining a dedicated group that speaks up for gifted kids.

For many years, I have had the great pleasure of collaborating on many exciting projects with the Council for Exceptional Children's The Association for the Gifted (CEC-TAG). CEC-TAG is made up of individuals from across the nation and world who are devoted to gifted children.

Speaking Up for Gifted Kids Without a Strong Voice

I think this organization has touched my heart because of its tireless work for gifted children, especially those gifted kids who don't fit our preconceived notions—gifted kids from diverse backgrounds, gifted kids with Asperger's syndrome, gifted children with physical disabilities, and other children who are twice-exceptional.

Simply put, this is an association dedicated to challenging assumptions about gifted children and championing their cause. I am a member of this organization, and I would like to personally invite you to join me in becoming a member as well.

Join CEC-TAG and Receive Exciting Benefits

The benefits of joining this professional organization are very compelling. Your annual membership includes the following:

• Four issues of the Journal for the Education of the Gifted (JEG) per year (includes online access to current and past issues)
• Six issues of Teaching Exceptional Children
• Four issues of Exceptional Children
• Quarterly newsletters from CEC and from CEC-TAG
• A discounted member rate for all meetings of CEC and TAG
• 30% discount on all CEC products
• 10% discount on Prufrock Press products
• Peer-to-peer support
• A network of colleagues who are leaders in the field of gifted education

For 50 years, CEC-TAG has been the leading voice for special and gifted education. CEC-TAG establishes professional standards for teacher preparation for the field, develops initiatives to improve gifted education practice, and ensures the needs of children and youth with exceptionalities are met in educational legislation.

Become a member of a team of professionals devoted to (a) improving educational opportunities for individuals from all diverse groups with gifts, talents, and/or high potential; (b) sponsoring and fostering activities to develop the field of gifted education; (c) supporting and encouraging specialized professional preparation for educators; and (d) working with organizations, agencies, families, or individuals who are interested in promoting the welfare and education of children and youth.

How to Join CEC-TAG

You can join CEC's TAG Division in two ways.

Download a CEC-TAG Membership Application
Click here to download a membership application in PDF format that can be completed and mailed or faxed to the CEC offices.

Join Online
Visit the Web site of the Council for Exceptional Children and select the "Membership" tab near the top of the Web page. Please remember to join the TAG Division when your reach the division membership area of the online membership application.

Thank you for considering this request. I honestly believe in the cause of this organization, and I hope you will consider joining CEC-TAG.