The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

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

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we invite Michael Dixon (he/him), Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to discuss the role of DEI within our gifted community. Mr. Dixon has served 18 years in higher education at a variety of institutions and administrative positions, most recently as the Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. He previously served in the Office of Admission at Knox College (Galesburg, IL) recruiting in the city of Chicago and the southern suburbs. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and race from North Carolina State University. He went on to earn his master’s degree in college student affairs leadership from Grand Valley State University and is a doctoral candidate at Indiana State University. In this episode, Michael will elaborate on how attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion supports the needs of gifted students.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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/

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast

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

Original Music by Adam G-F

How you can be involved:

Subscribe to The Gifted Ed Podcast