TAGT Mission Statement 
The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented connects and empowers educators to meet the unique needs of a diverse gifted and talented community.

As we embark on this new year, I am filled with a sense of hope and purpose as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. This is a time to reflect on our shared mission and to renew our commitment to the unique needs of gifted and talented students across our great state.

Change is in the air as the educational landscape in Texas continues to evolve. We stand at a critical juncture where we must advocate for, innovate with, and invest in our brightest minds. The needs of our gifted students are diverse and multifaceted, requiring our steadfast dedication to the programs, policies, and practices that honor their potential while supporting their social and emotional development.

As educators, the work you do is more than simply ensuring academic rigor; you guide our gifted students to cultivate curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Gifted students require environments that challenge them to think critically, creatively, and empathetically. At the same time, they need support systems that understand the complexities of their lived experiences, from asynchronous development to the intersectionality of giftedness with their other social identities that make up who they are as individuals. This is the work that you do every day.

We have accomplished a lot together in the past year, but there is more work to be done. Advocacy and awareness remain the cornerstones of our mission. We must continue to work to ensure equitable access to high-quality gifted education for our students—regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance—amplifying the voices of all stakeholders and ensuring their insights guide the programs that we provide.

In 2025 TAGT will continue to focus on strengthening our professional learning community, providing resources and connections that empower you to meet the needs of your students. From addressing the unique challenges of twice-exceptional learners to exploring new technologies that can transform the classroom, the collective expertise of you, our members, will continue to drive meaningful progress.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication to gifted and talented education in Texas. Your passion, creativity, and advocacy make a lasting difference in the lives of your students. As we move into this next chapter, let us approach the year with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

With warm regards and best wishes for the year ahead,

Matthew Fugate, Ph.D.
President
Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented