"They'll Be ok!" Why Gifted PD Matters & How You Can Make It Happen!
- Michelle Robinson
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Hey there, fellow gifted ed teacher! It's that time. Our PD schedules are being emailed out and we're getting the "Hope you've enjoyed your break" messages. I'm sorry if I sound a little salty. I absolutely love what I do and where I work. But, getting these school-wide notices makes me feel more isolated & left out than any other time. Do you also feel like you're on an island when it comes to professional development (PD)?
"The National Research Center on Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) found that 61% of classroom teachers had no training in teaching highly able students, limiting the challenging educational opportunities offered to advanced learners. A more recent national study conducted by the Fordham Institute found that 58% of teachers have received no professional development focused on teaching academically advanced students in the past few years." - California Gifted Network, Adapted from NAGC, SENG and Hoagies Gifted
Out of 7 days of PD, how many are dedicated to learning how to differentiate for gifted learners? If you're like most of us, the answer is a big fat zero.
Oh, but don't worry!! We ARE getting a full 4 HOURS on self-care... Self Care for 4 hours...
But here's the thing - our gifted kiddos need us to be at the top of our game. They're not just "fine" on their own. In fact, a recent study found that up to 20% of high school dropouts test in the gifted range. Yikes!
So, what can we do about it? Here are some actionable steps to get the PD we need:
1. Advocate for More School/District PDDon't be shy - approach your administration about dedicating time to gifted education strategies. Share research on the benefits of gifted education training. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) has some great resources to back you up. Also, mine your Gifted data to show growth and scores that benefit the school's level of effectiveness.
2. Seek Out External PD OpportunitiesCan't wait for your district to catch up? Take matters into your own hands! Check out NAGC conferences and webinars, or online courses through universities or organizations like Gifted Guru. Find courses like, Time-Saving Tech Strategies for Gifted Teachers, that provide actionable, practical ideas & strategies that you can implement in your gifted class, but also share with your gen ed colleagues. (Remember, they need those quick wins and welcome those easy-to-implement strategies).
3. Form a Professional Learning CommunityTwo heads are better than one, right? Team up with other teachers interested in gifted education. Share resources, strategies, and experiences. It's like a book club, but way cooler! Join a collaborative group, like Gifted Ed Collective, to talk strategy and share successes. All of the other teachers have this type of peer group in the district. You deserve it, too! 📣
4. Consider Specialized Coaching ServicesSometimes, you need a little one-on-one guidance. That's where services like mine come in handy. We can work together to tailor strategies to your specific classroom needs. If you're interested, book a free strategy meeting to see if this is for you.
Remember, investing in our own learning isn't just good for us - it's crucial for our students.
So, let's make a pact. No more settling for the "they'll be fine" mentality. Our gifted students deserve teachers who are constantly learning and growing. And hey, who knows? Maybe next year, we'll see a whole day of gifted ed PD on the calendar. A teacher can dream, right? 🌞
What are your thoughts? How do you stay on top of your gifted ed game? Share in the comments below!
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