Millennium Magazine_8th Ed

65 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine EDUCATION H ailing from a family of educators, Dr. Barbara Lee Branch accrued more than 45 years of experience in education prior to her retirement in 2016. A former executive director of the California Association for the Gifted between 2009 and 2016, she has continued her ventures post-retirement as an educational consultant. Earlier in her career, Dr. Branch taught gifted elementary and junior high school education, as well as served as a curriculum and research assistant and computer resource specialist. Most notably, she was principal of Lisbon Elementary School from 1993 to 1998, in which she started the school’s gifted education program. To prepare for her career, Dr. Branch pursued a formal education at the University of California Davis, where she earned a BA in 1970 and an MA in 1976. Subsequently, she earned an EdD from the University of Southern California and is certified in administrative services and computer science. Renowned across the state of California for her expertise in gifted education, Dr. Branch was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Sacramento City Unified School District for the 1990-1991 academic year. To remain abreast of ever-changing developments in her field, Dr. Branch maintains membership with the Northern California Mathematics Project, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the School Curriculum Development Association, the California Teachers Association, the Mathematics Alliance for Access and Equity, and California School Administrators. She is also an honorary life member of the Parent-Teacher Association. While her career has been filled with highlights, Dr. Branch emphasizes that teaching fifth and sixth grade gifted students, along with inspiring her colleagues, were crowning achievements. In her retirement, she enjoys working with her local retirement community as director of the Neighborhood Watch and as president of her genealogy club. Likewise, she is active on the election committee and video team and keeps fit by bicycling, swimming, boating and walking. DR. BARBARA LEE BRANCH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (RETIRED) California Association for the Gifted Lincoln, CA