Gifted with Mrs. G

What if being “gifted” isn’t about being ahead, but about seeing sideways?

We celebrate the students who finish first.
We reward the right answers.
We measure progress in neat, predictable lines.

But gifted learners are rarely neat or predictable.

They question why the problem exists.
They notice patterns others overlook.
They follow ideas into places a worksheet cannot hold.

Sometimes they’re the student who finishes first.
Sometimes they’re the one staring out the window, building something far more complex than what’s in front of them.

And sometimes “underachievement” is not a lack of ability.
Sometimes it is a lack of fit.

If a student is disengaged or quietly unraveling in a system built for efficiency, is the problem the learner . . . or the system?

Giftedness isn’t a straight line.
It’s a constellation.

Maybe our job is not to push them further down the line,
but to build systems that can hold the stars.

Back home after a whirlwind trip to Chattanooga where I got to share with others the unique needs of the gifted learner and how to best support them, meet up with dear friends/past coworkers, reconnect with a friend from college, chat with and learn from , and grab my favorite treat from all in less than 24 hours.

Took a minute to pop in to the Silent DiscGlow party today with some of my fifth graders. What a fun way to celebrate together all they’ve learned this year as they get ready to show what they know on the state test next week.

One last session to finish up before heading to the airport. One of the best session of the conference!

Another full day of learning at - Measuring Growth for Advanced Learners, new ideas for Depth and Complexity, diversified discussion strategies, reflective wrap-ups, student-led conferences, integrated emotional development in gifted education and more! One presenter asked for one takeaway from our learning and I summed it up as a fresh perspective timeless/tried and true ideas.

Also had to venture back out to the market one more time before we head out tomorrow and check out .

An amazing day of learning at ! I loved how the different sessions I attended offered tools and strategies that I could take back and use in my classroom immediately. Meeting new people that understand the world of gifted kids, chatting with authors of books I’ve studied and use daily, and seeing & learning from teachers I’ve followed for years just continues to fuel my passion for what I get to do each day with my students.

Day 1 in Seattle for - Up super early thanks to a two hour time difference, a walk down to the Pike Place Market, a walk to the Space Needle and then up to the top for an incredible view, and a fantastic opening session with a keynote by John Spencer titled Vintage Innovation. Looking forward to a full day of learning tomorrow!

Yesterday we had our fundraiser kick off pep rally, complete with teachers, admin, and our superintendent competing in an race dressed in inflatable costumes. players even joined in the fun and were obstacles the racers had to get through as they navigated the course. What a fun way to end a Friday!

It’s that time again.

As much as I love office supplies, these are the things that make a real difference in student success.

😴 Sleep because it's a habit and a pattern that takes time and consistency. It's critical for learning and brain development, as well as happiness.

🎮 Reduce that screen time to increase motivation and disrupt the disconnection between normal rewards system in the brain and the brain on screens. It's hard to make algebra as exciting as World of Warcraft because teachers aren't allowed to engage in the brain manipulation video game companies are.

💦 Back-to-school time is busy. Get ready now with as many chores as possible done ahead. Get 'er done and do your future self a favor. Your lack of stress will have a positive impact on your child(ren).

✅ It's not all about grades. It's about learning. And learning includes executive functioning and interpersonal relationships. Let's set some goals for those things, too, so success isn't measured just in A's and B's, but also in percentage of homework turned in on time and the number of kind words spoken.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, here are my teaching stats:

👩🏻‍🏫 20 years experience
🏫 17 schools (with students from 5 more)
🗺 3 school districts
🍎 17 classrooms + hallways, libraries, and the stage
👩🏻 Grades Taught/positions held:
6th grade for 5 years
K-12 gifted for 15 years
💼 Principals: 17
👧👦 over 1,000
🐘 States taught: TN
🍎Certified: Elementary Education K-8, Gifted PK-12, Administrator
📜 Highest Degree: Education Specialist

Teacher friends, share your stats!