Advocacy in Gifted Education with Chris Rice & Adele Vensel

Chris Rice is an experienced educator, advocate, and speaker. He has over 10 years of experience as a school psychologist and has worked in several states and with students ages 3-21. Currently, Chris serves as a gifted education psychologist for a large school district in North Carolina. He has the opportunity to help influence policy and practice, work directly with gifted learners, and support AIG teachers through professional learning–among other roles and responsibilities. In his free time, Chris is the Vice President of NCAGT, serves on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for the National Association for Gifted Children, and enjoys speaking with parents, educators, and anyone else interested in supporting gifted and advanced learners. If not at work, in a board meeting, or on stage, you can find Chris on the lacrosse field coaching his son’s team or spending time with his family–probably outside on a trail.Adele Vensel is a passionate educator, advocate, and PhD student at UNC Charlotte, specializing in Special Education with a focus on gifted education. With over 15 years of experience in public education, Adele has worked in Title I schools across all grade levels, from preschool to high school. She currently serves as a gifted education specialist for a school district in southwestern North Carolina where she collaborates closely with gifted learners and supports teachers through professional development . Adele is also an alumna of the Public School Forum of North Carolina’s Educational Policy Fellowship, which allows her to shape policy and practice. Outside of her professional work, Adele is actively involved with the Advocacy and Engagement committee of NCAGT, leads SENG community groups, and is a dedicated advocate for gifted and advanced learners. When she's not working, you can find Adele enjoying the great outdoors, whether she's swimming, biking, or running.Resources:Proposed Cuts to AP FundingNCDPI Advanced Learning & Gifted Education