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Dr. Debbie Troxclair, educational leadership professor at Lamar University, was recently awarded The Association for the Gifted-Council for Exceptional Children (TAG-CEC) 2024 Service Award at the national conference in San Antonio. 

The TAG Service Award is awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of gifted and talented education and exemplified TAG’s values and mission.  

“This award means so much to me because it was given to me by a dedicated group of people who share and recognized my passion for the education of gifted learners -- especially twice exceptional gifted learners and those with potential gifts and talents from under-represented populations,” Troxclair said. “This group's recognition of my many years of service to the field of gifted education, since 1987, is a highlight of my educational career in gifted education.”  

With decades of experience as an educator, Troxclair recalls one of her "most rewarding times in gifted education” — teaching at St. Tammany Parish Public Schools in Louisiana for 12 years.  

“Best teaching gig ever,” Troxclair said about her time in the classroom. “The children I taught at Little Oak Middle School were an amazing group of children. I had finally found my peer group. They taught me how to teach gifted children, and several have kept in touch with me on social media.” 

Since starting her career, Troxclair has delved into TAG-CEC and immersed herself in several roles to help shine a light on gifted education. She has served on the board of directors, and on committees focused on diversity and twice exceptional learners.  

“The support this group provides for twice exceptional learners is at the heart of my commitment to those who have high ability but may need support to overcome an additional difference such as a learning disability, ADHD, Autism, and/or an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression,” Troxclair said. 

Recently elected as to the Association for Gifted & Talented Students (AGTS-Louisiana), Troxclair leads the organization’s efforts to serve as a resource for families and educators who support gifted and talented education in Louisiana. She stresses the importance of including content, knowledge, and skills pertinent to gifted learners in initial educator preparation programs and principal training programs. 

“Gifted education isn't about the label at all. It is about the child. Gifted children often march to the drumbeat of a drum that has yet to be created because their high cognitive ability is coupled with intense sensitivity which is sprinkled with a wide variety of creative abilities,” Troxclair said. “They are keen problem-solvers, and yet, without teachers of the gifted programs, many bright and able children often shut down their abilities and identities as most teachers, and even some parents, have no idea what to do.” 

Troxclair’s continued service to gifted education is a major contribution to her goal of bridging the gap.