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About GTAC
About GTAC
The Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council — known as GTAC — is a group of educators, advocates, and community leaders appointed by the State Superintendent of Schools. Together, we are committed to expanding opportunities for all of Maryland's gifted and talented students, including Multilingual Learners, those who are twice exceptional (2e) and those from historically underserved groups.
The Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council — known as GTAC — is a group of educators, advocates, and community leaders appointed by the State Superintendent of Schools. Together, we are committed to expanding opportunities for all of Maryland's gifted and talented students, including Multilingual Learners, those who are twice exceptional (2e) and those from historically underserved groups.
Our members represent diverse regions and roles across the state, but we share a common goal: to ensure that advanced learners in every school have access to high-quality, equitable, and engaging educational experiences. From classroom instruction to policy development, GTAC promotes best practices in gifted education and works to elevate the voices of educators, families, and students.
Our members represent diverse regions and roles across the state, but we share a common goal: to ensure that advanced learners in every school have access to high-quality, equitable, and engaging educational experiences. From classroom instruction to policy development, GTAC promotes best practices in gifted education and works to elevate the voices of educators, families, and students.
We also serve in an advisory role to the State Superintendent, offering insight on how Maryland can continue to lead in identifying and supporting gifted and talented students from all backgrounds. Whether through policy guidance, statewide recognition programs, or community partnerships, GTAC is proud to champion excellence in gifted education across Maryland.
We also serve in an advisory role to the State Superintendent, offering insight on how Maryland can continue to lead in identifying and supporting gifted and talented students from all backgrounds. Whether through policy guidance, statewide recognition programs, or community partnerships, GTAC is proud to champion excellence in gifted education across Maryland.
Who We Are
Who We Are
We are currently updating the bios/profiles of the GTAC Leadership. Thank you for your patience.
GTAC 2025-2026 Leadership Team
GTAC 2025-2026 Leadership Team
Kristie Clark
Kristie Clark
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Alex Clough
Alex Clough
Michele DiGuilian
Michele DiGuilian
Michele DiGiulian is the Coordinator for Advanced Learning for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She has 21 years of experience in education, with 18 of those years dedicated to gifted education. In her role, Michele leads initiatives that promote equitable access to advanced learning opportunities and supports educators in identifying and nurturing the diverse talents of all students. She also serves as co-chair of Maryland’s Gifted and Talented Advisory Council’s Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) Committee. Michele is deeply committed to advancing gifted education through innovative programming, professional development, and family engagement that foster the academic and social-emotional growth of gifted and advanced learners.
Olivia Pearson
Olivia Pearson
Ainsley Conner
Ainsley Conner
Sarah Jackson
Sarah Jackson
Sarah Finch Jackson is the 2e Instructional Specialist in Accelerated and Enriched Instruction for Montgomery County Public Schools. She holds GATES certification and an M.Ed. in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. Sarah has over a decade of classroom experience and has presented at NAGC, William & Mary’s 2e Conference, MEGS, and MCGATE. She serves as chair of the NAGC 2e Special Interest Group and as the co-chair of Maryland’s GT Advisory Awards Committee. Her work focuses on equitable identification and inclusive instruction for 2e students.
MSDE Liaisons
MSDE Liaisons
Anthony Vargas
Anthony Vargas
Kysha Egungbemi
Kysha Egungbemi
Interested in serving on GTAC? Contact Anthony Vargas at anthony.vargas@maryland.gov.
Who We Serve
Who We Serve
GTAC is dedicated to supporting Maryland’s gifted and talented students, including those from historically underrepresented groups and those who are twice-exceptional (2e). We advocate for equitable access to advanced learning opportunities in every school and district across the state.
GTAC is dedicated to supporting Maryland’s gifted and talented students, including those from historically underrepresented groups and those who are twice-exceptional (2e). We advocate for equitable access to advanced learning opportunities in every school and district across the state.
We also serve the educators, families, and communities who champion these learners. Through policy guidance, recognition programs, and statewide collaboration, we aim to uplift the work of those who make gifted education possible — and to ensure that every advanced learner in Maryland has the opportunity to thrive.
We also serve the educators, families, and communities who champion these learners. Through policy guidance, recognition programs, and statewide collaboration, we aim to uplift the work of those who make gifted education possible — and to ensure that every advanced learner in Maryland has the opportunity to thrive.
To learn more about how gifted and talented students are defined and identified in Maryland, please visit the Maryland State Department of Education's official Gifted Education page.
To learn more about how gifted and talented students are defined and identified in Maryland, please visit the Maryland State Department of Education's official Gifted Education page.
Although the Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (MDGTAC) is appointed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) under COMAR 13A.04.07.05, the Council operates independently from MSDE. The views expressed by the Council do not necessarily reflect those of MSDE or the individual school districts where many members are employed. We are a volunteer group committed to advancing the education of gifted and talented learners in Maryland, and the opinions shared are our own.
Although the Maryland Gifted and Talented Advisory Council (MDGTAC) is appointed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) under COMAR 13A.04.07.05, the Council operates independently from MSDE. The views expressed by the Council do not necessarily reflect those of MSDE or the individual school districts where many members are employed. We are a volunteer group committed to advancing the education of gifted and talented learners in Maryland, and the opinions shared are our own.
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