MSU Gifted And Talented Director Susan Paynter Resigns

Dr. Susan Paynter, director of the Academically Gifted & Talented Youth Program at Montclair State University, announced her resignation this week after two years on the job.

She said she's proud of the passion and commitment demonstrated towards gifted children at MSU and the success the program has enjoyed in enhacing its summer and weekend programs.

Paynter said some 2,000 young people currently participate in the program each year, noting that enrollment has increased by about 40 percent in the last two years.

When asked why she was leaving, Paynter said she was seeking a new challenge.

"I still want to advocate for gifted kids but this program is well established now," she said. "We have 80 great teachers and the program and processes are all in place."

Paynter pointed out that MSU offers a weekend and summer program only.

"I'm looking at what I can do to build a program Monday through Friday for gifted kids ... but I'm not yet sure whether or not this will be in Montclair or somewhere else," she said.

Paynter said gifted children need an advocate, especially in the current economic climate.

"I could do teacher training in the gifted area ... I'm just not sure yet," she said.

Paynter said that, during the last two years, she's been privileged to work with talented educators and exceptional parents.

"It is my sincerest hope that the Montclair State University Gifted and Talented Program—and the community it fosters and protects—will continue to flourish long after I am gone," she said.

Paynter's last day will be Tuesday, April 5.

"For the next two months, I will support the success of the upcoming spring program and act as advisor to assistant director Aznir Haron in the finalization and promotion of the summer program," she said. "Aznir has served as interim director previously and is well prepared to handle the day-to-day responsibilities as Montclair conducts its search for the next full-time director."

Paynter has been an advocate for the gifted for 30 years as a teacher of the gifted, administrator, parent, and officer for the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC). She has enhanced and supported gifted programs during her tenure as assistant superintendent for both the Kinnelon and Livingston school districts. Paynter has published a book on innovative leadership as well as an article for Gifted Child Today. She received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University.