ITAG board member Doreen Underwood notifies Nicole Herdrich that she is ITAG’s 2013 Administrator of the Year.
Every year the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association (ITAG) recognizes an Iowa administrator who supports and advances its mission throughout their district. The mission of ITAG is to recognize, support, and respect the unique and diverse needs of talented and gifted learners through advocacy, education, and networking. At the school board meeting on Monday, September 16, Nicole Herdrich, principal of Central Lee Elementary, was notified that she is this year’s recipient of the award. Hollie Weber, ELP Coordinator at Central Lee, nominated Nicole for this award.
In nominating Nicole, Hollie emphasized Nicole’s advocacy for quality instruction for students at their readiness level. This has resulted in all students experience new learning and growth in the classroom everyday. Nicole’s advocacy and support of cluster grouping helps teachers target their instruction to the learning needs of the students in each elementary classroom again resulting in growth for all students.
Nicole has also worked to deepen teacher’s understanding of the needs of gifted learners through professional development. The needs of TAG students are integrated in the building wide action plan and teachers are supported in meeting the advanced learning needs of those students with opportunities to collaborate with each other in Professional Learning Communities. She finds ways to provide the resources needed to meet students’ needs whether that be curricular materials or time. Nicole will be formally awarded the Administrator of the Year Award at the ITAG state conference on October 21, 2013 in Des Moines. ITAG honors her with respect and gratitude for her support for high ability students.
