The Gifted Ed Podcast

In this episode, we discuss the significant insights shared by our recent guest in the Family Speaker Series, Dr. Devorah Heitner. While on campus, she provided valuable guidance on how to help gifted students navigate the complexities of the digital world. Some key topics we explore include empathy, self-monitoring, and the potential impact on one's self-concept. Dr. Devorah Heitner, PhD, is...

In this episode, we invite Kenny Bae, Director of STEAM Innovation, to discuss the uses and implications of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Kenny has been in the education field for 17 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Radiation, and Applied Physics with a minor in Mathematics from Eastern Illinois University, and a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science from...

In this episode, we reflect on strategies to optimize the school experience for introverted and extroverted students by sitting down with two teachers in the field of gifted education. Jim Leesch (Middle School Math) and Jeff Westbrook (1-8 Drama) share their insights about accommodating different personality traits. Jim has over 30 years of experience teaching children in math, science, and drama...

In this episode we’re going to take you on an exploration of the gifted introvert and extrovert experience. In the general population, extroverts outnumber introverts by 3:1. However, gifted introverted students are the majority within the gifted population. Given this, we’ll focus more attention on the experiences of introverted gifted students. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Pro...

This episode features a recording from our ACS Family Speaker Series. The learning challenges of a Twice Exceptional (2E) student are often overlooked because of strengths and gifts that may be masking special characteristics and learning differences in other areas. How are these students identified and what are the impacts of their challenges? Pediatric Neuropsychologist Dr. Nichole Dawson will j...

In this “Voices from the Trenches” episode, we reflect on how teachers accommodate passionate and accelerated learner profiles by sitting down with two teachers in the field of gifted education. Alexis Bryant (Middle School Literacy) and Chris Makowski (K-8 Visual Arts) share their insights and experiences through the lens of literacy and visual arts.  Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy...

This is a special edition episode as it will feature a recording from our ACS Family Speaker Series.  The Family Speaker Series is new this school year and its purpose is to provide support and education for families on a variety of topics that all relate to giftedness.  In this episode, we will hear from Nancy Parkinson as she helps us explore the intricate components of literacy to better naviga...

This is a special edition episode as it will feature a recording from our ACS Family Speaker Series.  The Family Speaker Series is new this school year and its purpose is to provide support and education for families on a variety of topics that all relate to giftedness.  In this episode, we will hear from Dr. Ann Weller, owner of Plum Tree Psychology. She will be introducing the ACS community to t...

There are various profiles of gifted learners, and in this episode we compare and attend to the characteristics of accelerated and passionate gifted students. We explore how these characteristics may impact their learning experiences. It’s important to note that a student is not exclusively one profile or another profile. For these selected profiles, think of it as a continuum where a student may...

In this episode we invite Kristen Teague, our Interim Director of Enrollment, to discuss the characteristics of giftedness. We examine various aspects of giftedness and how they may present in children differently. Additionally, this is a great episode to learn more about what we (parents and educators) can do once we suspect a student is gifted. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Pro...

This episode wraps up the series on perfectionism. Join Meghan McCarthy and Angel Van Howe as they reflect on teachers’ thoughtful responses to perfectionism within their classrooms. Meghan and Angel share their takeaways and suggestions for moving towards the path of excellence. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F H...

This episode is part 3 of our series about perfectionism. Occasionally, we will be featuring teachers who have experience working with gifted students. We plan to refer to these special episodes as “Voices from the Trenches.”  This episode is a continuation of our conversation with Sarah Batzel, Elizabeth Roberts, and Jenny Garetto. These experienced teachers can provide valuable insight into the...

This episode is part 2 of our series about perfectionism. Occasionally, we will be featuring teachers who have experience working with gifted students. We plan to refer to these special episodes as “Voices from the Trenches.”  This episode, as well as our next episode, will be spotlighting three educators (Sarah Batzel, Jenny Garetto, and Elizabeth Roberts) who work with gifted students. Experienc...

The pursuit of perfectionism or excellence leads to different destinations. This episode focuses on the differences and commonalities between perfectionism and excellence and how those paths impact gifted children. Helping gifted children navigate their desires for high standards, awareness of quality, and capacity for accomplishment, requires us to reflect on our own orientation towards perfectio...

Asynchronous development is part of the gifted experience for many children. This episode dives deeper into the definition of asynchrony, as well as the impact it can have on learning and emotional experiences. Simply becoming more aware of the challenges that asynchronous development poses, can allow for teachers and adults to respond more compassionately to their needs. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe...

Giftedness is so complex that experts can’t agree on a single definition that encompasses all the different ways it presents in a person’s performance, processing, work habits, learning habits, social/emotional characteristics, etc. In this episode we look at how these definitions contribute to the gifted experience and ask you to reflect on how your views of these definitions influence your instr...