One of the many things that sets MLWGS teachers apart is that they all must earn their gifted education endorsement—an essential credential for teaching our intellectually advanced and emotionally nuanced student body—within their first four years at MLWGS. The school relies on the MLWGS Foundation to relieve the financial burden of this important endorsement for teachers. The Foundation provides up to $1000 per year per teacher to fund the required coursework, books and materials, and in some cases, supporting related professional licensure work.
Many faculty pursue their coursework through the University of Richmond or the University of Virginia, choosing from classes that cover topics like foundations of gifted education, models and strategies for teaching gifted students, the social and emotional needs of gifted students, and strategies for supporting special populations of gifted learners.
In 2024, the Foundation supported 17 teachers across a range of departments—including English, science, international languages, social studies, and visual and performing arts—with more than $14,000 in total funding. This investment reflects a strong commitment to instructional excellence and professional growth. As Assistant Director Dr. Max Smith put it, “At Maggie Walker, our students are bright, curious, and complex. Earning a gifted endorsement within the first four years helps teachers better understand and support them. It shows a commitment to our unique learners and ensures we’re all equipped to help them thrive.”
The Foundation is proud to play a part in ensuring every classroom is led by educators equipped with the tools and insight to meet the needs of our Dragons.