The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) Podcast

What if student behavior is communication and educators have more influence than we think? In this season finale of the TAGT Podcast, recorded live at giftED25, Aric Bostick shares how understanding attachment can change the way we respond to students and support long-term growth. From hallway interactions to classroom culture, this conversation focuses on practical ways to build trust, create con...

In this episode, we’re joined by Marli Williams, leadership trainer and speaker, for a conversation on what it means to lead with intention in today’s educational landscape. Together, we explore how energy, purpose, and reflection shape effective leadership, especially in gifted education roles that often feel complex and isolating. Marli shares practical ways to build confidence, stay grounded in...

What happens when giftedness and disability coexist? Dr. Susan Baum joins the TAGT Podcast to discuss the needs of twice-exceptional learners and why strength-based environments are essential. Drawing from decades of research and practice, she shares how talent development opportunities, creative entry points, and supportive classroom environments can transform outcomes for 2e students. An encoura...

What happens when a teacher “accidentally” walks into a gifted conference—and finds a professional home? Recorded live at giftED25, Luke Hurst, Ph. D., President of TAGT and Executive Director of Advanced Learning Services in Richardson ISD, shares his journey from classroom teacher to district leader. He reflects on mentorship, talent development, CCMR, advising gifted learners, and why schools m...

Gifted services look different in every district, but are they delivering the outcomes students need? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Kettler to talk about “high dose” gifted education and why increasing both time and intensity can change student outcomes. From acceleration to grouping to enrichment, we break down what works, and what often gets in the way. You’ll also hear a candid con...

What happens when intellectual curiosity turns into a lifelong mission? David Madden, co-founder of International Academic Competitions and 19-time Jeopardy champion, joins the TAGT Podcast to share how academic quiz competitions build confidence, community, and deep knowledge. From his own journey in quiz bowl to launching international competitions serving tens of thousands of students, David re...

How do we serve students who are years beyond grade level—and experiencing the world differently because of it? In this episode, Blake Haygood shares his journey from math teacher to advanced academics leader, along with personal insights as the parent of a profoundly gifted child. The conversation covers acceleration, cluster grouping, SEL for gifted learners, and the importance of strong profess...

From a kindergarten question to a statewide law... In this episode, Charlotte, a senior in Rockwall ISD’s SAGE program, shares how her Type III project honoring crossing guards grew into legislation establishing Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Texas. Joined by her educators, Jennifer Leal and Rebecca Allen, this conversation highlights the power of meaningful professional learning, student voic...

Join host Michael Flusche as he chats with Ilana Walder and Alex Lochoff, from National Math Stars, a groundbreaking program that identifies mathematically extraordinary students as young as second grade and provides them with ten years of personalized support, mentorship, and access to advanced STEM opportunities—all at no cost to families or schools. Ilana and Alex share their personal journeys...

In this episode, host Michael Flusche sits down with e. E. Charlton-Trujillo, an award-winning author, filmmaker, and youth literacy activist. From growing up in rural Texas to earning national acclaim, e. E. shares their inspiring journey and passion for amplifying student voices. With powerful stories and actionable insights, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturi...

In this episode of the TAGT Podcast, host Michael Flusche sits down with Dina Brulles, Ph. D., coordinator of the gifted master's program at Arizona State University, to explore her work on achieving equity in gifted education. Dr. Brulles shares insights on identifying high-potential students through innovative nonverbal testing methods, the transformative power of cluster grouping, and how tailo...

Season 7 Premiere! We’re back and brighter than ever! Kicking off Season 7 with a sparkle, we’re sitting down with the one and only Stephanie Higgs—award-winning gifted educator, differentiation coach, and your new favorite hype girl for all things gifted education. Known as @littlemissgifted, Stephanie brings her high-energy, fast-talking, idea-packed brilliance to this episode, sharing fun and p...

Join us on this episode of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) Podcast as we dive into the power of advocacy in gifted education. Host Michael Flusche sits down with TAGT Policy Consultant Molly Quirk and TAGT Executive Director Paulina van Eeden Hill to discuss the upcoming legislative session and how educators, parents, and community members can get involved in shaping polic...

In this episode of the TAGT Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Housand and Andi McNair—two powerhouse voices in the world of gifted education. From exploring the shift from peer tutoring to thought partnerships to emphasizing authentic, meaningful learning, Brian and Andi share actionable insights to engage learners and educators alike. They discuss the critical role of collaboration, the importan...

Join us on the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Podcast as we chat with Elizabeth White, the 2023 TAGT Educator for the Gifted and a dynamic educator from Hawkins ISD. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from art major to award-winning engineering teacher, blending creativity, technology, and STEM in innovative ways. Hear how she uses hands-on projects like solar-p...

Join us on the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Podcast as we sit down with Kelsey Kartcher, the 2023 Advocate for the Gifted Award winner. With nearly 20 years in gifted education, Kelsey shares her inspiring journey, from teaching gifted clusters to launching Growing Up Gifted , a platform empowering parents and educators. In this episode, she dives into the importance of equitable...

Join us as we sit down with Cheryl Beard, the 2023 TAGT Administrator of the Gifted Award recipient, who has dedicated 32 years to education in Garland ISD as a teacher, campus leader, and district administrator. In her role as G/T Education Administrator, Cheryl oversees K-12 gifted programs, championing equitable representation and ensuring students receive high-quality academic and fine arts se...

This week's episode features Pete Hinojosa, founder of Omega Quest and Quest Leadership Dynamics. Pete shares his powerful journey from educator to corporate leadership developer, discussing his work to inspire leaders and foster personal growth. We delve into leadership development for gifted students, the importance of self-image, and practical strategies to empower the next generation of leader...

In the first episode of Season 6 of the TAGT Podcast, renowned psychologist Robert Sternberg joins us to explore the evolving landscape of gifted education and why traditional methods focused on IQ and academic success fall short in preparing students for real-world challenges. Sternberg introduces the concept of "transactional giftedness", advocating for a more holistic approach that encourages s...

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of gifted education with Dr. Susan Johnsen, a seasoned expert and advocate in the field. Dr. Johnsen shares her journey to becoming a pivotal figure in special and gifted education. She discusses the evolution of gifted education, the challenges of serving underrepresented groups, and the importance of minimizing bias in assessment tools. Dr. Jo...

On this episode of the TAGT Podcast, delve into the world of depth and complexity with Parker Tredick from J Taylor Education. Parker introduces us to the depth and complexity framework, a powerful tool designed to enhance critical thinking skills in students of all ages. He shares practical insights on how this framework can transform teaching and learning, empowering students to become critical...

In this engaging episode of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented podcast, host Michael Flusche sits down with seasoned educator and G/T consultant Rolando Ruvalcaba. With 16 years of experience, Ruvalcaba discusses innovative strategies for enhancing gifted and talented programs, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and inclusivity. He also explores the unique chall...

This week, join Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska as she discusses her pioneering work in gifted education. She details her early career as a high school teacher, her founding of the Midwest Talent Search and the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, and the importance of integrating social-emotional support with academic programs. Highlighting the need for trained administrators and e...

In this episode, Anurupa Ganguly, MIT-trained engineer and founder of Prisms, discusses revolutionizing STEM education through spatial learning in Virtual Reality. Ganguly's journey from observing high dropout rates among women in engineering to leading educational reform highlights the need for real-world problem-solving in classrooms. Prism aims to make math and science engaging and applicable,...

Join host Michael Flusche in the first episode of season 5 recorded live at the TAGT Annual Conference, giftED23. Educator and consultant Andrew Sharos explores the transformative power of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for gifted students, emphasizing their dual benefits of college credit and college readiness. He contrasts AP with other pathways like dual enrollment and Career and Technical Edu...