The Gifted Ed Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Vanek, founder of The Gifted Perspective, to explore the often misunderstood world of underachievement among gifted students. Erin shares insights into the behavioral and emotional profiles of gifted learners who aren't meeting their potential and helps us unpack the why behind their struggles. From classroom engagement to parent support, she offers practical strategies educators and caregivers can use to reconnect these students with learning and motivation. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help gifted students thrive.In this episode, you'll learn:Common traits of underachieving gifted studentsThe myths surrounding giftedness and motivationTools and techniques to reignite engagement in gifted learnersHow The Gifted Perspective serves as a bridge between educators and gifted kids' unique needsLearn more about Erin's work:https://thegiftedperspective.com/https://www.instagram.com/the.gifted.perspective/Host: Meghan McCarthyCo-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff WestbrookOriginal Music by Adam G-FHow you can be involved:Subscribe to The Gifted Ed PodcastEmail us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode, we welcome Krista Genovese to explore how giftedness, dyslexia, and hyperlexia intersect. As a first-grade teacher at Quest Academy—an independent school for gifted students in Palatine, Illinois—Krista specializes in foundational literacy skills to ensure that all learners receive the support they need.A certified Orton-Gillingham dyslexia practitioner with a master's degree in teaching and interdisciplinary arts, Krista shares valuable insights into the unique challenges gifted students with dyslexia and hyperlexia face. She highlights the importance of individualized instruction, one-on-one support, and fostering a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks in their learning.Host: Meghan McCarthyCo-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff WestbrookOriginal Music by Adam G-FHow you can be involved:Subscribe to The Gifted Ed PodcastEmail us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

How can we design a curriculum that both challenges gifted learners and builds essential skills? In this episode, we welcome educators Sunshine Echevarria and Jennifer Marvel-Gillono to share their expertise on crafting curricular units that foster deep engagement and meaningful learning. They discuss their approach to balancing rigor with foundational skill development while ensuring lessons resonate with gifted students. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh insights on curriculum design that will empower and excite learners.Host: Meghan McCarthyCo-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff WestbrookOriginal Music by Adam G-FHow you can be involved:Subscribe to The Gifted Ed PodcastEmail us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode we welcome content specialists Stephanie Butler, Alissa Prestwich, and Elizabeth Foran. Together, we dive into the critical role content specialists play in schools, exploring how they collaborate with educators to enhance learning experiences for all students. Learn how these experts adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of gifted learners and navigate the complexities of the gifted profile. Host: Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode we welcome Katie Baldwin, a 3rd grade educator, and Christina Fallstick, a middle school math educator, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore the importance of building rapport with their students. We discuss the various strategies that they implement to increase classroom connections and curricular engagement. Host: Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Abby Spiwak, educator currently implementing Social Thinking Curriculum, and Kari Zweber Palmer, a social-cognitive therapist at Social Thinking, Stevens Creek and author of several award-winning social emotional learning curricula including: The We Thinkers! series and You are a Social Detective, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore a social learning curriculum that targets essential SEL needs of our gifted population. In part 1, we discussed the various skills needed to initiate and maintain healthy relationships. In part 2, we continue the conversation about how the SEL needs of our gifted learners can be addressed by using the Social Thinking Curriculum, SuperFlex, that teaches these skills through a fun and interactive classroom program. Host: Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode, we welcome Abby Spiwak, educator currently implementing Social Thinking Curriculum, and Kari Zweber Palmer, a social-cognitive therapist at Social Thinking, Stevens Creek and author of several award-winning social emotional learning curricula including: The We Thinkers! series and You are a Social Detective, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore a social learning curriculum that targets essential SEL needs of our gifted population. In part 1, we discuss the various skills needed to initiate and maintain healthy relationships. In part 2, we continue the conversation about how the SEL needs of our gifted learners can be addressed by using the Social Thinking Curriculum, SuperFlex, that teaches these skills through a fun and interactive classroom program. Host: Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Head of The Avery Coonley School (an independent school for gifted students), for an insightful conversation on gifted education from a leadership perspective. Dr. Montgomery shares her unique experiences and expertise, delving into the multifaceted roles that administrators play in nurturing gifted learners. We explore the distinctive challenges and opportunities of leading a school specifically designed for gifted students, comparing these to the leadership dynamics in traditional, non-gifted educational environments. Co-Host: Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode, we talk through tips and strategies outlined throughout the book, The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. This is a great resource for educators as there is a workbook that accompanies the text that we are going to talk about today. While this book is not explicitly written for gifted children, we have found that the framework can be applicable to gifted needs. https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/ Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

In this episode, we welcome Julie Skolnick, author of Gifted and Distractible, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore giftedness and 2E(plus) profiles. We discuss various methods to better understand these profiles, as well as strategies to better support their needs. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss.

This episode features our discussion with Dr. Maha Zayed, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and owner of the OCD & Anxiety Center. She specializes in working with kids, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety, OCD, and anxiety-related disorders. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure-Based Therapy and has had the privilege of seeing people get back to living happier, healthier lives where anxiety and OCD are managed in a relatively short amount of time. In this episode, we discuss how gifted students may experience and present their anxieties, as well as how teachers and adults can respond to their needs. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

In this episode we welcome back Robin Speizman and Katherine Wilkie to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore classroom strategies and structures that support executive functioning needs. We discuss how to develop tiered levels of intervention within instruction as it pertains to executive functioning. Katie Wilkie is the owner of Imagination Therapy PLLC, a speech-language pathology and executive function coaching business serving Forest Park, Oak Park, and the surrounding areas. She is a graduate of Rush Medical Center and her business, Imagination Therapy PLLC, was established in 2017 to service individuals from ages 7-65, with a particular interest in teens and younger adults. Utilizing both bottom-up and top-down interventions, Imagination Therapy approaches executive function needs through a brain-based approach with the understanding that an individualized and tailored plan can target personal strengths and weaknesses.  You can find out more at⁠⁠ www.imaginationtherapyllc.com⁠⁠, or find her on Meta. Robin Grais-Speizman received a MS.Ed in Educational Psychology from National Louis University in June of 1994. She received Bachelors Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1989, in both Rehabilitation Psychology and in Special Education with a Type 10 Certification. She then worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (currently Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) as a Pediatric Behavioral Specialist and Senior Neuropsychometrician for 11 years. She performed neuropsychological testing evaluations to both inpatients and outpatients suffering from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She also provided cognitive retraining and school reentry services to children and adolescents upon inpatient discharge and often continued for long term follow-up.  From 1999 -present, Robin has worked as a neuropsychometrician, executive function coach, and clinical intake coordinator in the practice Roger Stefani and Associates, Chicago NeuroBehavior Specialists and now Stefani Neuropsychology Services. She continues to provide neuropsychological testing, school observations, and executive function coaching to patients with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, learning and educational struggles and other neurodivergent diagnoses to pediatric patients ages 6-22. In January of 2019, Robin established this executive coaching and consultation practice named Refocus. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

In this episode we welcome back Robin Speizman and Katherine Wilkie to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore classroom strategies and structures that support executive functioning needs (Shifting/Flexibility, Social Awareness/ Perspective Taking, and Organization and Planning). We discuss how to develop tiered levels of intervention within instruction as it pertains to executive functioning. Katie Wilkie is the owner of Imagination Therapy PLLC, a speech-language pathology and executive function coaching business serving Forest Park, Oak Park, and the surrounding areas. She is a graduate of Rush Medical Center and her business, Imagination Therapy PLLC, was established in 2017 to service individuals from ages 7-65, with a particular interest in teens and younger adults. Utilizing both bottom-up and top-down interventions, Imagination Therapy approaches executive function needs through a brain-based approach with the understanding that an individualized and tailored plan can target personal strengths and weaknesses.  You can find out more at⁠ www.imaginationtherapyllc.com⁠, or find her on Meta. Robin Grais-Speizman received a MS.Ed in Educational Psychology from National Louis University in June of 1994. She received Bachelors Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1989, in both Rehabilitation Psychology and in Special Education with a Type 10 Certification. She then worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (currently Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) as a Pediatric Behavioral Specialist and Senior Neuropsychometrician for 11 years. She performed neuropsychological testing evaluations to both inpatients and outpatients suffering from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She also provided cognitive retraining and school reentry services to children and adolescents upon inpatient discharge and often continued for long term follow-up.  From 1999 -present, Robin has worked as a neuropsychometrician, executive function coach, and clinical intake coordinator in the practice Roger Stefani and Associates, Chicago NeuroBehavior Specialists and now Stefani Neuropsychology Services. She continues to provide neuropsychological testing, school observations, and executive function coaching to patients with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, learning and educational struggles and other neurodivergent diagnoses to pediatric patients ages 6-22. In January of 2019, Robin established this executive coaching and consultation practice named Refocus. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

In this episode we invite Robin Speizman and Katherine Wilkie to define and discuss the components of executive functioning and how it presents within our gifted community. Katie Wilkie is the owner of Imagination Therapy PLLC, a speech-language pathology and executive function coaching business serving Forest Park, Oak Park, and the surrounding areas. She is a graduate of Rush Medical Center and her business, Imagination Therapy PLLC, was established in 2017 to service individuals from ages 7-65, with a particular interest in teens and younger adults. Utilizing both bottom-up and top-down interventions, Imagination Therapy approaches executive function needs through a brain-based approach with the understanding that an individualized and tailored plan can target personal strengths and weaknesses.  You can find out more at www.imaginationtherapyllc.com, or find her on Meta. Robin Grais-Speizman received a MS.Ed in Educational Psychology from National Louis University in June of 1994. She received Bachelors Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1989, in both Rehabilitation Psychology and in Special Education with a Type 10 Certification. She then worked at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (currently Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) as a Pediatric Behavioral Specialist and Senior Neuropsychometrician for 11 years. She performed neuropsychological testing evaluations to both inpatients and outpatients suffering from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She also provided cognitive retraining and school reentry services to children and adolescents upon inpatient discharge and often continued for long term follow-up.  From 1999 -present, Robin has worked as a neuropsychometrician, executive function coach, and clinical intake coordinator in the practice Roger Stefani and Associates, Chicago NeuroBehavior Specialists and now Stefani Neuropsychology Services. She continues to provide neuropsychological testing, school observations, and executive function coaching to patients with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, learning and educational struggles and other neurodivergent diagnoses to pediatric patients ages 6-22. In January of 2019, Robin established this executive coaching and consultation practice named Refocus. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook Original Music by Adam G-F How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org⁠⁠⁠ Submit a ⁠⁠⁠feedback form⁠⁠⁠ to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

In this episode, we discus DEI with Michael Dixon.

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 the author of 'Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World,' as well as 'Growing Up in Public.' Her writings have been featured in reputable publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN Opinion, and Fast Company, among others. Dr. Heitner earned her PhD in media/technology and society from Northwestern University and has taught at esteemed institutions like DePaul University and Northwestern University.

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 the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We explore a variety of topics pertinent to the gifted profile, such as how artificial intelligence can be used to challenge perfectionistic tendencies and promote a growth mindset, as well as potential ethical concerns when integrating AI into classroom strategies.

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. Seeing students in a wide variety of contexts has given him insight into the ways that teachers can learn about each student as a whole child. Working in independent schools for most of his career, Jim values this approach to teaching and learning. By ensuring that students feel seen, known, and valued, teachers provide the best possible environment for their learning and growth. Getting to work with exceptional children has enriched his appreciation for the wide variety of talents and gifts that children bring to school, and he is passionate about helping them see the fullness of their potential across all parts of their lives. Jeff Westbrook, currently a 1-8 Drama Teacher. One of the things he prioritizes is having every student participate in the drama program, regardless of natural talent, experience, or even interest. Meaning that the students who have the potential to gain the most from theatre experiences might be the ones who would not take drama as an elective. Jeff has 34 years of teaching experience in elementary and high schools. Because Jeff is not focused simply on “the drama gang,” he has developed interest and insight into exploring how to teach students with varying personalities and proclivities, including those for whom drama and performance is not an immediate or obvious fit. Jeff's curricular focus is on cultivating student work in playwriting, acting, and design, and he looks for opportunities to give students so that all of them find an area in which they can flourish.

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.

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 join us to explore how to identify twice exceptionalities (social, emotional, behavioral and/or learning differences) and discuss the importance of identification of twice exceptionalities for a student's self-confidence, mental health, and ability to reach their potential. www.dawsonneurobehavioral.com/

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.

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 navigate the developmental and diverse needs of our ACS readers and writers. To develop the proper tools and skills to be a successful reader and writer, young learners are given very basic building blocks on which to grow. Letter association, oral vocabulary, and background knowledge gained from everyday life help them better understand the fundamental rules of reading and writing. Small component skills must be practiced repeatedly to function smoothly and automatically. In some ways, these subjects can be compared to learning a physical skill such as tennis or playing an instrument.

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 the concepts and scope of executive functioning — a broad term for the brain functions that help us execute daily tasks and a skill set that is often tied to success in school. Dr. Weller will discuss areas of executive functioning including fluid reasoning, mental flexibility, attentional ability, impulse control, processing speed, and perseverance and the struggle some gifted children have in these areas. https://www.theplumtree.net/

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 lean more to one side than the other or maybe just right in between.

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-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed.

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 How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed.

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 struggles and challenges of perfectionism—as well as some strategies to help students learn to embrace the growth that comes from overcoming setbacks and learning from your mistakes. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

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. Experienced teachers can provide valuable insight into the struggles and challenges of perfectionism—as well as some strategies to help students overcome perfectionism while on their educational journey. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

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 perfectionism. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

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 and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss

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 instruction, understanding, and connection with students. Co-Hosts: Angel Van Howe and Meghan McCarthy Co-Producers: Adam Metcalf and Jeff Westbrook How you can be involved: Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast Email us at: thegiftededpodcast@averycoonley.org Submit a feedback form to the podcast team to let us know of any topics that you would like discussed. Additionally, you can use this form to let us know that you would like to appear on an episode as a guest and what topic(s) you would like to discuss