Glen Arden Elementary School’s Jennifer Harmon is the 2023 Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Specialist of the Year!
AIG Lead Facilitator Stephanie Knox, 2022 winner Marcia Tucci, and Glen Arden administrators surprised Ms. Harmon with flowers, balloons, and a plaque on Monday. Principal Jamie Slagle praised Ms. Harmon for her leadership and dedication to students.
“We could not be more proud of Jennifer Harmon for being named AIG Specialist of the Year,” she said. “She brings a love for students and learning and a positive attitude everyday. She is a master at her craft, and we are very happy for her.”
Ms. Harmon has been a teacher for 16 years and an AIG specialist for 11 years. She said she’s proud to nurture a growth mindset in her students that sets them up for success.
“I can without a doubt say that I have the best job in the world,” she said. “I have the ability to pour a love of learning into a large population of students on a weekly basis. I am able to learn alongside them while uplifting and encouraging them along the way.”
BCS AIG programs provide advanced students with engaging learning experiences that deepen their passion for learning, problem solving and critical thinking skills while supporting intellectual, emotional, and social success. Nominations for AIG Specialist of the Year come from colleagues who believe the AIG Specialist exemplifies the characteristics and hard work necessary to inspire our students in BCS. Once nominated, candidates write essay responses to broad questions about passion for working with students and gifted programming. Essays are scored by seven district leaders using a rubric.