CORRECTION - Please disregard previous release on this matter. Beach Teachers Named Gifted Resource Teachers of the Year Helping gifted students realize their academic potential requires not only creative strategies but also patience and a willingness to undertake a journey of discovery! Just ask two Virginia Beach gifted resource teachers, Angelique Massey, gifted resource teacher at New Castle Elementary School, and Juanita Felton, the gifted resource teacher at First Colonial High School. Both were recently recognized by their peers as being the "best GRTs at the beach" and were named Virginia Beach City Public Schools Gifted Resource Teachers of the Year for the elementary and secondary levels, respectively. Massey is a 27-year veteran teacher in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, with 17 of those years devoted to working with gifted students. According to her principal, Janet Duff, Massey is "not only a teacher of the gifted, but a gifted teacher as well." Her strengths lie in differentiating instruction so that gifted students receive additional breadth and depth in course work and in creating classroom environments conducive to students' problem solving abilities. In addition, she serves as a trainer of cluster teachers in the gifted program and often mentors other gifted resource teachers. She is a frequent presenter at conferences and in-service training. Like Massey, Felton is also a veteran teacher. Cited as a master teacher, Felton has developed curricula, seminars, research models for gifted students as well as an after-hours course on the American Legal System, which draws high school students from around the city. In addition, she has created opportunities for students to become "professional apprentices" in such fields as engineering, law, and medicine. Her principal, Hazel Jessee, remarks that in her 30 years in education, she has "never worked with anyone who has the level of dedication, talent, and success that Mrs. Felton has." Massey and Felton are both very active in their school communities and as advocates for gifted education. In addition, they are involved in numerous professional organizations and often present at regional and national conferences. Felton has also attended international symposiums where she has presented on behalf of gifted education. Recipients of many awards, Felton and Massey are active in local community organizations as well. As winners of the VBCPS Gifted Resource Teacher of the Year award, Massey and Felton move on to the next level of competition - the 2002 Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted Award - which is sponsored by the Virginia Association for the Gifted. For more information on the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Gifted Resource Teacher of the Year award winners, please contact the Office of Gifted Education and Academy Programs at 563-1255. ###