Gifted Education Leaders Earn Global, National Honors
School of Education and Social Policy faculty members Paula Olszewski-Kubilius and Susan Corwith, leaders of Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, have been recognized for their work in the field of gifted education.
Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, professor emerita and former CTD director, received the Ann F. Isaacs Founder’s Memorial Award from the National Association for Gifted Children. The award is one of the organization’s highest honors and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field.
Olszewski-Kubilius was selected for her decades of research, program innovation, and advocacy aimed at expanding access to advanced learning opportunities for students nationwide. Her work has significantly shaped both gifted education and talent development, with a particular emphasis on serving underrepresented students.
In a separate recognition highlighting CTD’s growing influence in shaping policy, research, and practice in gifted education, current director Susan Corwith was elected to the National Association for Gifted Children Board of Directors and appointed as a U.S. delegate to the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (2025-27).
The dual appointments position Corwith to help guide national and international efforts to strengthen gifted education programming and promote strengths-based approaches to identifying and developing young people’s talents.
“I am deeply grateful for these opportunities and for the trust my colleagues have placed in me,” said Corwith, an assistant professor in the School of Education and Social Policy. “I look forward to collaborating with professionals in these organizations to advance talent development and ensure that all young people have the chance to discover and fulfill their potential.”
About CTD
The Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy is dedicated to helping academically advanced students—from age 4 through grade 12—realize their full potential. Through comprehensive assessment, advanced enrichment, and accelerated learning opportunities, CTD’s distinctive Pathways approach supports students in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to become bold, creative thinkers and contributors. Our model empowers students to dive deeply into a particular subject or to explore a range of disciplines and interest areas. CTD offers programs at every grade level, along with resources that help parents nurture their children’s growth and services that equip educators and schools with best practices to enhance and extend local learning opportunities.