This comprehensive professional learning series provides educators with a deep dive into the unique world of gifted learners. Divided into three stand alone 15-hour courses, this series moves from understanding the core identity of the gifted student to exploring creative environments and mastering advanced pedagogical practices.
Class A: Understanding the Gifted Profile (15 Credit Hours): August 17 – September 14. Virtual meeting on Aug. 17
Focus: Identity and Social-Emotional Needs Unlock the complexities of the gifted mind. This course provides a foundational understanding of what it means to be gifted, beginning with the historical context and evolving definitions of giftedness. Participants will explore the unique internal experiences of these learners, focusing on overexcitabilities, intensity, and the specific needs of visual-spatial learners.
Educators will gain practical insights into managing common psychosocial challenges such as perfectionism and underachievement, while learning to identify diverse talents through the lens of Multiple Intelligences.
Class B: Creative Environments and Program Models (15 Credit Hours): September 28 – November 2.Virtual meeting on Sept. 28
Focus: Cognition, Creativity, and Service Delivery How do we build environments where giftedness can flourish? This course explores the intersection of learning mindset and high-level cognitive development. Participants will master tools to foster innovation, including SCAMPER and FFOE (Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration), and examine the visionary work of leaders in creativity.
Beyond individual creativity, this course prepares educators to navigate institutional structures by analyzing various service delivery models and the role each plays in gifted classrooms.
Class C: Advanced Pedagogy and Practical Synthesis (15 Credit Hours): November 16 – December 14.Virtual meeting on Nov. 16
Focus: Instructional Strategies and Action Research Translate theory into classroom mastery. This final course is dedicated to the practical application of advanced instructional strategies tailored for gifted students. Educators will learn how to implement effective acceleration and differentiation through collaboration and the strategic use of specialized resources.
A significant portion of this course is dedicated to inquiry learning and an Action Research Project, where participants will select a specific topic of interest, create a comprehensive plan, and share their results with their professional community.
Tucson Values Teachers is providing limited scholarships for educators to attend PD opportunities, if you are interested, click here for more information
- For questions regarding this resource, please contact Pima County School Superintendent's Office (PCSSO).
- Contact Name: Marianne Landrith
- Phone No: 520-724-8451
- Email Address: marianne.landrith@pima.gov