Our Organization

The Washington Coalition for Gifted Education is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization. We are one of three Washington organizations whose main purpose is to support highly capable/gifted educators, students, and families in Washington state. Together with the Northwest Gifted Child Association, which provides support for parents, and the Washington Association for Educators of the Talented and Gifted, which provides support for educators, we work toward a world where all students are recognized, respected and passionately supported for their unique needs, talents, and gifts.

A legacy of dedication and persistence.

The Poyneer Holland
Advocacy Award

In partnership with Washington Association for Educators of Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) and Northwest Gifted Child Association (NWGCA), we were delighted to share that WAETAG’s 2022 Advocacy Award for outstanding contributions in gifted advocacy was not only presented to Barbara Poyneer, but also renamed in her honor. It has officially become the Barbara Poyneer Advocacy Award.

In 2023, Marcia Holland received the Barbara Poyneer Advocacy Award.

In 2024, at Barbara’s request, this recognition was renamed once more and is now the Poyneer Holland Advocacy Award.

Barbara and Marcia have been tireless advocates for gifted students for decades. (Since before many of us were born.) Much of the policy and funding for Highly Capable education that we see today exists, in large part, because of their dedication and persistence.

We are grateful for all they have done, and humbled by the legacy they have created for The Coalition and for the entire gifted community. We think the world of them.

Reby Parsley
2025 Poyneer Holland Advocacy Award Recipient

Marcia Holland
2023 Barbara Poyneer Advocacy Award Recipient 

Barbara Poyneer
2022 Barbara Poyneer Advocacy Award Recipient

Austina De Bonte
2018 Advocacy Award Recipient