Ep. 008 | Gifted & Talented Learners

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of gifted and talented learners! 🎓✨ Malorie checks in about her first month in a new role, sharing her fast-paced experiences with discipline, relationship-building, and chasing students (literally). Then, the real talk begins—what does it actually mean to be gifted?

We explore:

• Defining giftedness as a form of neurodiversity 🧠

• Common (and surprising) characteristics of gifted learners

• Asynchronous development and intensities (emotional, intellectual, sensory, and more)

• The gifted identification process, including testing and multiple data points

• Equity in gifted education and the importance of diverse representation

• Classroom differentiation strategies: acceleration, enrichment, going deeper, and tiered instruction

• The challenges (and hot takes) on Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs)

• Teacher-student relationships with GT students and why understanding them matters 💬

Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent, this episode offers real-life insights, stories, and practical strategies for supporting gifted learners.