Board of Directors

Board Member

Michelle Anderson

College Community SD-Prairie Crest and Ridge Elementary

ITAG Past-President Michelle Anderson is an Elementary Talented and Gifted teacher in the College Community School District. She has been an educator for 24 years; 8 of those have been in the current position of K-4 TAG teacher. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Drury University, Missouri with a minor in Reading. Her Master of Science in Education with a Reading Specialist focus is from SUNY Potsdam, New York, and her endorsement in Talented and Gifted Education (K-12) is from Viterbo in Wisconsin. When Michelle was in the general education classroom, she always strived to know more and provide much needed resources for her gifted students. Giving opportunities for the high potential underrepresented groups continues to be a goal Michelle is working on in her buildings (STEAM Club, Chess Club,and Lego Club). Michelle is a member of NAGC, ITAG, ILA (International Literacy Association), and Key Women Educators International (DKG). Michelle enjoys instructing a variety of summer classes through Kirkwood’s KICK Camp. It fuels Michelle’s passion for learning and keeping up-to-date on current technologies and applications. Michelle enjoys traveling, reading and gardening.

Board Member

Bradi Darrah

Bradi Darrah, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Dr. Darrah has a PhD in Education from Drake University as well as an MA in English from Northern Arizona University. She completed her Gifted and Talented Endorsement through the University of Iowa in 2012. Prior to joining the faculty at Simpson College, Bradi spent seventeen years teaching in public schools in Iowa, Arizona, and Missouri. Throughout her K-12 teaching experiences, she was primarily a high school English teacher, but she’s also served as an English Language instructor and an At-risk Coordinator at the high school level as well as a Talented and Gifted Teacher at both the middle and high school levels. Bradi is a strong advocate for the needs of special populations and understands that many stakeholders continue to lack a thorough understanding of the distinct needs of gifted students, sometimes forgetting to acknowledge that these unique students even constitute a special population deserving of additional funding, staffing, professional development, resources and all that comes with that designation. Since obtaining her gifted endorsement in 2012, she has remained a steady voice within her district seeking to help advanced and gifted students receive the resources and staffing commensurate to their needs. In her free time, Bradi is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her husband chasing their two children to sporting events and music concerts.

Board Member

Jordan Edgerly

Jordan Edgerly has been serving students in the Extended Learning Program and teaching math at Waukee Northwest High School since 2021. He received his BA in Mathematics/Computer Science from Central College, Masters of School Mathematics from Iowa State, and is also National Board Certified. His journey as an advocate for gifted learners began when he taught college-level AP Statistics to high school freshmen. That experience led to pursuing a PK-12 TAG endorsement. His passion now is helping students navigate challenges they face on the way to their own passions! Outside of school, Jordan coaches football and teaches various college math courses. He has four children with his wife, Hallie, who teaches science and is an instructional coach at ADM Middle School in Adel.

Board Member

Nicole Holman Lankelma

Nicole Holman Lankelma is an elementary XLP (Extended Learning Program) teacher in the Marshalltown Community School District. She began her teaching career in Texas as an elementary science lab instructor after getting her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Texas Tech University and her Master’s in Education from WBU. She later received her TAG endorsement from University of Iowa. As the parent of a TAG student and having grown up as a TAG student herself, she is passionate about utilizing these multiple perspectives within gifted education to be an advocate for her students while providing innovative personalized learning opportunities. Some of her most important professional work has been collaborating with stakeholders to update Marshalltown’s identification protocol, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds are identified and served by the Extended Learning Program. Within this work, Nicole’s passion for data-driven decision making has been instrumental in achieving a more equitable program. Nicole is also an active participant in several district committees within the Marshalltown Community School district including building leadership teams, professional learning communities and previous involvement in the science curriculum committee and technology advisory committee. In all of these endeavors, Nicole is always seeking ways to further understanding of and services for gifted students. Nicole is currently serving on the ITAG Board of Directors Governance Committee as chair.

Board Member

Rachel Klein

Rachel Klein has a variety of experiences that give her a unique perspective on the i-Tag board of directors. Studying sign language, Montessori preschool, reading and language arts education and English Language Teaching, Rachel’s true passion is for gifted education. Rachel loves working with gifted children, but also educating adults about the unique needs these children have. Rachel has been teaching as the Talented and Gifted Coordinator for Williamsburg School district since 2015, and is also on the district’s leadership team. She has worked over the summer for College for Kids, Belin-Blank, and KICK instructor. She earned her Bachelors’ degree from the University of Iowa and her Masters degree in Gifted Education from the University of Missouri. In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Rachel is excited to be a part of the i-Tag community and to see how we can best serve our gifted community!

Board Member

Jamie Meek

Jamie Meek is currently in her second year as the K-12 TAG Teacher and Coordinator for Riverside Community School District. A seasoned elementary educator, Jamie transitioned into her current role after years in the classroom, bringing a deep passion for high-ability learners. An alumna of Iowa State University (B.S. in Elementary Education) and Drake University (Graduate TAG studies), she balances her academic role with coaching 6-12 Quiz Bowl and JH Track. When she isn't at the school or on the track, Jamie is likely keeping up with her husband, four kids, and three dogs.

Board Member

Kristine Milburn

Kristine Milburn, EdD, has served West Des Moines Community Schools since 1999, both as a teacher (English and French) and as a teacher leader. She currently serves as the Gifted/Talented Program Lead. Prior to West Des Moines, she taught French and English in Red Oak, Iowa, and served as a substitute teacher through Heartland AEA school programs within area juvenile detention facilities and youth shelters. Kristine received her BA from Central College in English and French and her MAE from the University of Northern Iowa in Educational Psychology. In order to better meet the unique needs of advanced learners in her classroom, she then continued graduate coursework in gifted/talented education from the University of Iowa and completed her EdD in Education Leadership from Drake University. In 2015, Kristine received the ITAG Research Award Grant; and in 2007, she received NAGC’s A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship Award. Kristine facilitates professional learning to K-12 audiences, has presented during various conferences locally and nationally, and teaches graduate courses for the University of Iowa and Drake University. She also remains active in statewide literacy efforts, serving on the steering committee of the Iowa Statewide Literacy Leadership Team. As well, she served as co-chair of the ELA Standards Review Committee through the Iowa Department of Education. Kristine strives to maintain a balanced life–singing with her church choir, traveling, gardening, and finding joy daily.

Board Member

Brittany Schofield

HISTORIAN: Brittany Schofield is in her 3rd year as an ELP (Extended Learning Program) teacher for grades 8 - 9 in the Waukee School District. Prior to that, in the same district, she taught 8th grade American History for 8 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in History and Secondary Education, her Master’s from Drake University as well as her Talented and Gifted Endorsement (K-12). Brittany enjoys collaborating with general education teachers in creating lesson plans that offer higher learners access to depth and complexity within each unit. She also meets with small groups and individuals to engage in fun extension activities. When she is not teaching, Brittany spends time with her husband and 5 year old son Wyatt, watching football, reading, crocheting, and playing outside.

Board Member

Adam Smith

Adam Smith has been teaching in the Gilbert Community School District as the 6th-12th Grade ELP (Extended Learning Program) teacher since the 2022-2023 school year. Before that he taught for two years as a 5th grade literacy teacher in Marshalltown and for two years before that as a general education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona in the Cartwright School District. In the Gilbert Community School District, Adam also works as one of two Lego League coaches for 5-7 teams and one of two Marvel Rivals ESports coaches.

When not at school, Adam enjoys playing D&D, reading, listening to music, and bike riding. His family consists of his wife, Ashten, and his 2 year old, Felix, as well as two dogs and two cats.

Adam received his BA in education from the University of Northern Iowa, his gifted endorsement from Buena Vista University, and is currently working through his masters in gifted education at Morningside University with the plan to have this completed by the spring of 2026. In the future, Adam has the goals of obtaining his degree in mathematics, so that he can teach high school level math classes for middle schoolers, as well as his doctorate in gifted education. 

Adam is passionate about bridging the gap for underrepresented gifted populations, specifically focusing on students from low-income backgrounds and those that are considered to be twice-exceptional. Due to this, he is currently working through research studies involving classroom extensions and the effect they have on student behaviors, especially in the area of twice exceptionality. Eventual research plans involve equality in gifted education surrounding students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, in other words below the poverty line. 

Board Member

Sara White

Sara White is the K-12 TAG provider for the Lawton-Bronson School District in northwest Iowa.  As a former gifted student, she knew that she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her beloved elementary TAG teacher, whose classroom embraced creative thinking.  Sara received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Iowa State University and taught kindergarten in eastern Iowa in the Clinton Community School District. Her family moved to Iowa's "west coast" and she pursued her MA in teaching from Morningside College along with her reading and TAG endorsements. Sara is married and lives with her husband and 4 school-aged children, one of which is a twice-exceptional teenager. In addition to the TAG program at LB, she also coaches quiz bowl and speech, and is always ready to help her students investigate their interests!  Sara truly believes that every child deserves to learn something new every day. 

Board Member

Summer Zwanziger Elsinger, MBA, MSc, PhD

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Summer is a native of NE Iowa who  has been teaching in higher education since 2007 in multiple modalities including face-to-face, online and leading students on short term study abroad experiences (Germany, Scotland, China, Haiti, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, & Portugal to date).

She received her BS in general business and insurance from Drake University, MBA in risk management from the University of St. Thomas, MSc in business research from the University of Glasgow-Caledonian (Scotland), and her PhD in business ethics from Capella University. She also has her library director certification in the State of Iowa and is Prosci certified. She teaches both graduate and undergraduate levels at the University of Wisconin-Platteville, Grand Canyon University, and the College of Saint Mary. She brings to ITAG the perspective as a parent of active and curious kiddos, avid supporter fostering growth mindset and making the world your classroom, while also supporting students as they rumble with self-awareness growth journey.

Outside of supporting learning, Summer enjoys traveling (52 countries & counting!), yoga & mediation, bee keeping, bow hunting, throwing pottery, live edge woodworking, and reading. She has two children with her husband, Joe, who is a civil engineer focuses on quality & change management in the healthcare industry.

Liaison Member

Molly McConnell

Iowa Department of Education

Molly McConnell is the Education Program Consultant for Gifted and Talented at the Iowa Department of Education; a role which she assumed in June 2023. Prior to starting at the department of education, Molly spent 11 years as a gifted and talented educator, most recently, as the middle school Extended Learning Program (ELP) teacher and secondary coordinator for Johnston Community School District. Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in vocal music from Drake University. In 2012 she earned her masters of arts in teaching with endorsements in English, Speech, Theatre, and Talented and Gifted, also from Drake University. Molly lives in Polk City with her husband, 3 sons, and their dog, Benny. In her free time she enjoys reading, singing, and spending time with her family at Saylorville Lake.

Liaison Member

Jolene Teske

University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center

Jolene Teske, EdD is excited to return to the ITAG Board as the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center liaison. Her newest role is as an Associate Director of the Belin-Blank Center. Before this transition, she was the Supervisor for the Advanced Learning Program for Des Moines Public Schools. She has been involved in gifted education since preschool as a student and for thirty-four years as an educator. Early in her educational career, she was awarded a Fellowship at the Belin-Blank Center. From there her passion for gifted education continued as she earned a master's degree in Gifted Education and then a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Her work focuses on program evaluation, the integration of the arts in the classroom, the social and emotional support of gifted students, and using qualitative data for a more equitable gifted program identification. Jolene has served on the Iowa Talented and Gifted Association Board, the United States Academic Decathlon National Board, NAGC's Diversity and Equity Committee, and NAGC's Leadership Development Committee. She currently serves as a co- State Director for Iowa Academic Decathlon, is the Past Chair of NAGC's Gifted Coordinators Network, and facilitates SENG Groups as a Certified SMPG Facilitator. She lives on a farm in Central Iowa with her husband, Mike, and dog Sophie, and they have two adult children.

Volunteer

Claudia Koch

Claudia Koch is a retired educator with over 40 years of experience, first in Illinois and later in Iowa.  In Iowa she was the pre-k through 12th grade Gifted teacher/ coordinator for the West Bend-Mallard School District in northwest rural Iowa.  In time, she also added the secondary Gifted program at Twin Rivers District in Bode to her responsibilities.  

While teaching, she also advocated for gifted students in several ways including teaching endorsement classes, teaching summer programs, providing parent workshops and teacher in-services, and presenting at ITAG conferences.  As a founding member of Lakeland Tag, she helped shape and develop this organization in Northwest Iowa dedicated toward supporting educators and students in gifted programs.

In 2007 Claudia was elected to the ITAG Board of Directors., serving until 2015. During her time serving on the board, she worked  at developing areas of parent advocacy.  She also was instrumental in initiating the teacher mentoring program. A lifetime member of ITAG, Claudia currently serves as a non-board member of the Governance Committee.

Volunteer

Diane Pratt

Diane Pratt has been a member of ITAG since 1996, and was a 12-year Board member and past President of ITAG. Frequently an ITAG Conference presenter,  she most recently was a member of the team that assisted in virtual and email PD during the pandemic summer of 2020.  She continues to serve ITAG on the Governance Committee, as a member of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee, and a new teacher mentor. 

Diane also served on NAGC’s Professional Standards Committee, having contributed to the creation of the NAGC resource  Self Assess Your PK-12 Practice and Program  using the NAGC  Programming Practices. She has instructed gifted preschool learners in a private setting and has extensive experience working with parents and classroom teachers. Recently retired, Diane spent more than 20 years as a 5-12 grade gifted specialist for the Fort Dodge Community School District. During her tenure, she was also the district program facilitator which necessitated comprehensive alignment and planning of the local PK-12 services, including leading PD and Program Evaluation. 

In 2019, Diane was the recipient of the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center Educator Award for Outstanding Achievement. She has been honored with the ITAG Research Award and the David W. Belin Excellence in Teaching Award. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction through The National Society of High School Scholars, an Outstanding American Teacher through the National Honor Roll, and an Iowa Governor’s Scholars Teacher. 

Adding to her outlets of gifted advocacy, Diane serves as a member of the Fort Dodge Community District School Board and the ITAG Governance Committee.