Episode #11 - Hiding in Plain Sight: Understanding Gifted and Talented Students

This week, we sit down with Mrs. Brianne Hudak, M. Ed., a sixteen-year veteran of education serving in public, private, and charter schools. She is a passionate advocate for the gifted, a certified gifted and talented educator, and supports gifted education through her professional memberships in the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC), the North Carolina Association of the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT), and the Social-Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) serving as a state liaison.

In this episode, Brianne will walk us through how to define the term gifted and talented and how to accurately identify these learners. Then, she will go deeper and discuss how to unlock their genius by identifying twice-exceptional students and combating underachievement. Finally, she will guide us in using appropriate skills, tools, and resources to help gifted individuals reach their full potential.

Resources:

Websites:

• The National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC)- plethora of content, books, articles, resources, links and publications on gifted learners and gifted education 
• Social-Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)- variety of materials focused on gifted individuals' social-emotional learning and development
• Hoagies' Gifted Education Page- educational resources, support, and links for both educators and families
• The Davidson Institute- shares scholarships, resources, and offers an insightful gifted community
• State and local gifted associations/organizations

• Dr. Joseph Renzulli- The Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness (Explains how giftedness is developed)
• Dr. Sally Reis- The Schoolwide Enrichment Model (Explains how to set up effective learning environments and programming for the gifted and talented)
• Dr. Joyce Van Tassel-Baska provides content, curriculum, and best practices for gifted learners

Gifted Research:Easy-Read Book:

• Genius Denied: How to Stop Wasting Our Brightest Young Minds by Jan and Bob Davidson

Professional Development:

Mrs. Brianne Hudak, M. Ed.- Certified Educational Consultant and passionate advocate for the gifted and talented; www.helpmehudak.com