PASADENA, CA – 08/13/2024 – The Institute for Educational Advancement (������Ƶ), a national nonprofit dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of the nation’s gifted and advanced learners, has concluded its search for a dedicated leader to continue the organization’s mission to support gifted learners. Deborah Monroe, a longtime school leader and administrator, teacher and supporter of K-12 students within independent schools, will formally join ������Ƶ as President in late August. Her ability to scale and lead large educational organizations will enable ������Ƶ to reach and serve gifted students across the nation. Elizabeth Jones, co-founder and current ������Ƶ president, will transition to a senior advisor role and support the nonprofit’s Board of Directors as she begins her retirement. 

In her previous roles, Monroe has overseen schools in Puerto Rico and the Los Angeles area. Most recently at The TASIS School in Dorado, Puerto Rico she led the not-for-profit college preparatory PK-12 school and its 800+ students. Her ties to the Los Angeles community include her time leading and teaching at independent schools including Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, CA, The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, CA and Viewpoint School in Calabasas, CA. Monroe is a three-time recipient of Fulbright Teaching and Administrative Fellowships to Spain, Mexico, and Argentina, and completed the Klingenstein Head of School Fellowship with Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City. 

“I am eager to bring my global perspective, lifelong love of learning and deep understanding of educational challenges to continue offering the perfect educational balance for gifted children at the Institute for Educational Advancement,” said Deborah Monroe. “I look forward to advocating for gifted youth and will seek to provide new opportunities and resources for the families we serve, both today and tomorrow.”

Since 1998, ������Ƶ has remained one of the only national nonprofit organizations dedicated to gifted children with a focus on the whole gifted child. As the organization enters its 27th year, Monroe will work closely with the Board of Directors to continue to serve the gifted community holistically, enhance strategic priorities, lead fundraising efforts and manage resources to ensure ������Ƶ’s continued success in fulfilling its mission.

“We are excited to welcome Deborah as our new President. She will join the ������Ƶ team as we begin a new season of programming and support for our students,” said Elizabeth Jones, president and co-founder, Institute for Educational Advancement. “I know her deep understanding of our mission, her leadership and her articulate vision make her the ideal person to expand our current capacity and grow our organization to serve even more advanced learners nationwide.”

About the Institute for Educational Advancement

The Institute for Educational Advancement (������Ƶ) is dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of our nation’s gifted and high-potential youth. Central to the mission of ������Ƶ is a commitment to the development of the whole child through engaging educational experiences that promote optimal challenge, mentorship, exploration of ideas, and recognition of personal potential. ������Ƶ seeks to connect gifted individuals through dynamic and engaging year-round programming. Additionally, ������Ƶ supports a diverse community that creates a sense of belonging and affirmation. For more information, visit www.educationaladvancement.org. 

Contact

Kat Kirsch
Institute for Educational Advancement
(626) 403-8900 or kkirsch@educationaladvancement.org

: Michelle Yegros

Learn about Alexander Hamilton, Andres Valencia, Frida Kahlo, and Kenojuak Ashevak; hear about ������Ƶ from an Academy student’s perspective; and find out if you have clout.

In Spring 2024, Academy students learned about the different sections of a newspaper and the different roles in the news office. They had the opportunity to pitch ideas, investigate, write their own articles, and serve as editors for their peers.

Learn about Greek singers, the history of cookies, and Olivia Rodrigo; find out “Should Children Be Able to Use Cell Phones in School?”; and read a riveting tale involving demons and a girl named Sage.  

In Spring 2024, Academy students learned about the different sections of a newspaper and the different roles in the news office. They had the opportunity to pitch ideas, investigate, write their own articles, and serve as editors for their peers.

Read the second Issue of The Academy Times: Student-Powered Stories below! Or download the PDF to read it with a screen reader.

PASADENA, CA – 02/20/2024 – The (������Ƶ), a national nonprofit dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of our nation’s gifted and advanced learners, has announced the upcoming retirement of its president and co-founder, Elizabeth Jones. Jones will remain in her current position until a new president has been hired and will then transition to a senior advisor role to support leadership and the Board of Directors.

Since the nonprofit’s founding in 1998, ������Ƶ has become a pillar in the gifted education community as a place focused on the whole gifted child. Now recognized as one of the nation’s leading thought leadership organizations supporting the needs of gifted youth, ������Ƶ offers enrichment classes and learning opportunities, teacher trainings, consulting services, support groups, summer camps and scholarships for gifted learners. Over 12,000 students have benefited from the organization’s work.

“As we enter a new quarter century at ������Ƶ, the organization is strong and has tremendous promise for the future,” said Elizabeth Jones, president and co-founder, Institute for Educational Advancement. “Building this organization that is filled with heart and a commitment to excellence is what makes us special. I am proud of our accomplishments, am honored to have been a part of the lives of so many gifted students and am grateful for the support of our ever-growing community.” 

Giftedness exists in every demographic of society and is often overlooked and underfunded in many education systems. Jones created ������Ƶ to fill that gap and be a resource for families and educators alike. Under her guidance, ������Ƶ advocated for gifted education locally and nationally and commissioned the first-ever national survey assessing the American public’s views on gifted education. This research continues to influence national policy and is used by organizations across the U.S. in advocating for gifted youth. ������Ƶ operates 

With the support of ������Ƶ’s Board of Directors, Advisory board and staff, Morris & Berger, an executive search firm with a specialty practice that reaches across the nonprofit sector, will seek a new president to continue the nonprofit’s mission of meeting the unique needs of gifted children, their families and educators and overseeing the organization’s business needs and fiscally sound operating budget. 

“Since Elizabeth founded ������Ƶ, we have stayed true to our mission of serving gifted youth, exponentially growing our flagship programs: our Academy enrichment classes, our Award-winning Yunasa Summer Camp, and our unique Caroline D. Bradley merit-based high school scholarship,” said Byron Lichtenstein, ������Ƶ Board Chair. “������Ƶ has served gifted children with passion and dedication. I know, because I am one of those young people. We on the board, our community, and the field of gifted education are indebted to Elizabeth for her engagement and the organization’s success.” 

Qualified candidates are invited to online and apply here: .

For more information about ������Ƶ’s programs and services, visit .

About the Institute for Educational Advancement

The Institute for Educational Advancement (������Ƶ) is dedicated to the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of our nation’s gifted and high-potential youth. Central to the mission of ������Ƶ is a commitment to the development of the whole child through engaging educational experiences that promote optimal challenge, mentorship, exploration of ideas, and recognition of personal potential. ������Ƶ seeks to connect gifted individuals through dynamic and engaging year-round programming. Additionally, ������Ƶ supports a diverse community that creates a sense of belonging and affirmation. For more information, visit .

Contact

Kat Kirsch

Institute for Educational Advancement

(626) 403-8900 or kkirsch@educationaladvancement.org

I write today with bittersweet news. After more than 25 years of incredible service, Betsy Jones has decided to begin her transition from President of ������Ƶ to Senior Advisor starting later this year. While we as a board will miss Betsy’s daily leadership of the organization, we are greatly supportive of her decision and excited for her well-deserved next phase. We are proud and grateful for the work and accomplishments she has made as Co-Founder and President of ������Ƶ and are humbled by the opportunity to shepherd and grow this organization through the next 25+ years of serving our community.  

Since 1993, ������Ƶ has served 11,600 gifted children with passion and dedication. Our programs touch and change lives both locally and nationally, are award-winning in their field, and unique in their approach to serving all parts of a gifted child’s being. Our research continues to influence policy nationally, and to be used by organizations across the US to advocate for gifted youth. As we journey ahead, Betsy has built an unparalleled platform on which to evolve and scale to reach even more children. She will remain deeply committed to ensuring we accomplish our mission of holistically supporting each child in our community.  

I have known Betsy for 21 years since I became a Caroline D Bradley scholar in 2002. I will personally miss Betsy’s everyday presence, and I know I am not alone. While this is a big change for the organization, ������Ƶ is blessed by talented and long-tenured ������Ƶ staff, an Advisory Board that is deeply embedded within the gifted ecosystem, and a Board of Directors composed of individuals that have known and served ������Ƶ together for decades. We have known about and planned for this day and have already been working with Betsy to set up the structures necessary for new leadership to be successful.  

The Board of Directors is committed to making this a smooth transition. We have hired Morris & Berger, a nationally recognized, Pasadena-based search firm that specializes in non-profits and educational institutions. They will work with the board search committee which is made up of experienced and passionate board members. Betsy will remain in her current role until the next President officially starts. We have also asked Betsy to continue to work with us as Senior Advisor to the new leadership and the organization.  

Please join us in wishing Betsy well in this next phase—we are deeply grateful for her inspirational leadership and her impact on the lives of thousands of students.  

Sincerely, 

Byron Lichtenstein 

Board Chair, Institute for Educational Advancement  

Read Betsy’s letter announcing her retirement.

When I co-founded the Institute for Educational Advancement over 25 years ago, I had no concept of just how much impact this organization would have on students, families, and the field of gifted education. Our 25^th anniversary gave me an opportunity to look back and celebrate the joys and the challenges that assisted in making ������Ƶ a strong impactful organization.   

As we enter a new quarter century at ������Ƶ, I feel this is a good time to step away from my current role as President. Many have said that ������Ƶ is like my baby, and in a way that is true. Building this organization that is filled with heart and a commitment to excellence is what makes us special. I could not be prouder of our accomplishments, and I am honored to have been a part of the lives of over 11,600 students. We could not have had this impact without the support of our ever-growing community. Over the years we have been fortunate to be surrounded by generous donors, volunteers, educators, families, and talented staff. All of you have meant a great deal to me personally and professionally. I shall forever be grateful.

The organization is strong and has tremendous promise for the future. Our staff is incredible! These mission driven team members are committed to impacting the lives of bright young people through our core programs, Academy, CDB and Yunasa. We are fortunate to be fiscally sound. We have a dedicated board that is eager to continue the charge. We have an advisory board of exceptional individuals with a great understanding of the needs of gifted youth. The organization is in good hands, and I am comforted with that knowledge.  

It has been such a privilege to be a part of this amazing place and I know that you all will join me in continuing to support the children we serve. We have hired a nationally recognized search firm, Morris & Berger to support our selection committee in identifying our new President. The board has asked that I continue to be available as a Senior Advisor for the next few years to support the successful transition. I have humbly accepted.  

This work has fed me intellectually and personally and I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. Thank you for being a part of our growth. As many said at our 25^th anniversary celebration, we have only just begun.  

With gratitude and excitement for the future, 

����ٲ�������

Read our Board Chair’s response to Betsy’s retirement.