PODCAST · education
The Gifted Ed Podcast
by The Avery Coonley School
The Gifted Ed Podcast was developed as a resource for educators who work with gifted and high-achieving students and for our parent community. Gifted children have advanced cognitive abilities for their age and this asynchronous development can often come with heightened intensity. Combined, this dissonance can create an inner experience and awareness that is qualitatively different from the norm. Through our podcast, we explore the complexities of educating gifted children through the sharing of experiences and interviews with educators and other professionals who work with gifted children.
Episodes
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Episode 42: The Laws of Learning with Shari Murphy
In this episode, we welcome Shari Murphy, an educator and Quantum Learning leader, for a conversation about how we can create more meaningful and engaging learning experiences for gifted students. Shari shares how the “5 Laws of Learning”—attention, association, demonstration, connection, and...
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Episode 41: Digital Wellness & Media Literacy (Part 4) — SEL
In this episode, we welcome Michelle Hirschy to continue our digital wellness series and explore how social-emotional learning and digital wellness intersect in the lives of children and adolescents today. Michelle serves as the Director of Wellness at La Jolla Country Day School, where she leads…
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Episode 40: Digital Wellness & Media Literacy (Part 3) — Empathy
In this episode, we welcome Yonty Friesem and returning guest Luke Jacob to continue the series on digital wellness. Together, they unpack the concept of empathy—what it is, how it has evolved, and why it’s more complex than we often assume. The conversation explores empathy as a…
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Episode 39: Digital Wellness & Media Literacy (Part 2) — Strategies for Gifted Learners
In this second installment of a series on digital wellness and media literacy, we continue our conversation with educator, writer, and scholar Lucas Jacob to explore how these evolving fields intersect with gifted education. Together, we unpack foundational definitions, discuss how rapidly…
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Episode 38: Digital Wellness & Media Literacy (Part 1) — Foundations for Gifted Learners
In this first installment of a series on digital wellness and media literacy, we welcome educator, writer, and scholar Lucas Jacob to explore how these evolving fields intersect with gifted education. Together, we unpack foundational definitions, discuss how rapidly changing digital environments...
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Episode 37: Evaluating Secondary Schools for Gifted Learners
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Gwen Cooper, Middle School Head and Secondary Placement Director at Avery Coonley School, to unpack the process of evaluating secondary school options for gifted students. We explore how families can thoughtfully navigate public, private, parochial, and...
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Episode 36: The Importance of Play for Gifted Students (Part 2)
In this episode, we welcome back Lisa Wiltz and Eric Youngquist, who explore the essential role of play, simulation, and gamification in supporting gifted learners of all ages. This episode reframes play—not as downtime, but as developmentally essential, academically rich, and socially...
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Episode 35: The Importance of Play for Gifted Students (Part 1)
In this episode, we welcome Lisa Wiltz and Eric Youngquist, who explore the essential role of play, simulation, and gamification in supporting gifted learners of all ages. This episode reframes play—not as downtime, but as developmentally essential, academically rich, and socially transformative....
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Episode 34: Rethinking Leadership in Gifted Education
In this episode, we welcome Allison Yunkun, a doctoral candidate and an elementary educator and from The Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois. Allison shares insights about the Leadership Academy, a program designed to develop authentic leadership skills in gifted students from grades...
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Episode 33: Understanding Anxiety in Gifted Youth
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Maha Zayed and Lora Dudek of The OCD and Anxiety Center to discuss the many ways anxiety can show up in children and adolescents. Together, we explore a scale of intensity to help distinguish between healthy anxiety and clinical anxiety. We also highlight why it’s…
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Episode 32: Writing Strategies for Gifted Learners
In this episode, we welcome Darrell Maskell, who shares how he teaches writing to his gifted students. We explore his instructional techniques and process, the executive functioning skills embedded in his approach, and some of the remarkable outcomes that have emerged in his classroom. Darrell...
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Episode 31: Underachievement in Gifted Learners – Erin Vanek from The Gifted Perspective
In this episode, we sit down with Erin Vanek, founder of The Gifted Perspective, to explore the often misunderstood world of underachievement among gifted students. Erin shares insights into the behavioral and emotional profiles of gifted learners who aren't meeting their potential and helps us...
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Episode 30: Supporting Gifted Students with Dyslexia & Hyperlexia
In this episode, we welcome Krista Genovese to explore how giftedness, dyslexia, and hyperlexia intersect. As a first-grade teacher at Quest Academy—an independent school for gifted students in Palatine, Illinois—Krista specializes in foundational literacy skills to ensure that all learners…
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Episode 29: Designing Meaningful Curriculum for Gifted Minds
How can we design a curriculum that both challenges gifted learners and builds essential skills? In this episode, we welcome educators Sunshine Echevarria and Jennifer Marvel-Gillono to share their expertise on crafting curricular units that foster deep engagement and meaningful learning. They...
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Episode 28: Unlocking Potential - Insights from Content Specialists
In this episode we welcome content specialists Stephanie Butler, Alissa Prestwich, and Elizabeth Foran. Together, we dive into the critical role content specialists play in schools, exploring how they collaborate with educators to enhance learning experiences for all students. Learn how these...
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Episode 27: Building Rapport and Classroom Connections
In this episode we welcome Katie Baldwin, a 3rd grade educator, and Christina Fallstick, a middle school math educator, to the Gifted Ed Podcast to explore the importance of building rapport with their students. We discuss the various strategies that they implement to increase classroom…
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Episode 26: Social Thinking with Abby Spiwak & Kari Zweber Palmer (Part 2)
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Abby Spiwak, educator currently implementing Social Thinking Curriculum, and Kari Zweber Palmer, a social-cognitive therapist at Social Thinking, Stevens Creek and author of several award-winning social emotional learning curricula including: The...
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Episode 25: Social Thinking with Abby Spiwak & Kari Zweber Palmer (Part 1)
In this episode, we welcome Abby Spiwak, educator currently implementing Social Thinking Curriculum, and Kari Zweber Palmer, a social-cognitive therapist at Social Thinking, Stevens Creek and author of several award-winning social emotional learning curricula including: The We Thinkers! series…
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Episode 24: Leadership in Gifted Education with Dr. Kirsty Montgomery
We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, Head of The Avery Coonley School (an independent school for gifted students), for an insightful conversation on gifted education from a leadership perspective. Dr. Montgomery shares her unique experiences and expertise, delving into the…
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Episode 23: Whole-Brain Strategies for Gifted Students
In this episode, we talk through tips and strategies outlined throughout the book, The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. This is a great resource for educators as there is a workbook that accompanies the text that we are going to talk about today. While this book…
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Episode 22: Gifted and Distractible with Julie Skolnick
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...
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Episode 21: Addressing Anxiety in Gifted Students with Dr. Maha Zayed
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...
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Episode 20: Executive Functioning Strategies for Success (Part 3)
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....
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Episode 19: Executive Functioning Vulnerabilities in Gifted Students (Part 2)
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…
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Episode 18: Unpacking Executive Functioning for Gifted Students (Part 1)
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...
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Episode 17: Supporting Gifted Students through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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...
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Episode 16: Navigating the Digital World
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...
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Episode 15: Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
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...
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Episode 14: Strategies for Supporting Introverted Gifted Students - Voices from the Trenches
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…
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Episode 13: Supporting Introverted Gifted Students
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...
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Episode 12: Neurodiversity: Twice Exceptional Students with Dr. Nichole Dawson
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...
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Episode 11: Accelerated and Passionate Learners - Voices from the Trenches
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...
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Episode 10: Helping Your Child Read and Write Well with Nancy Parkinson
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…
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Episode 9: Executive Functioning with Dr. Ann Weller
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…
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Episode 8: Gifted Learning Styles - Accelerated and Passionate Learners
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...
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Episode 7: Identifying and Nurturing Giftedness
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...
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Episode 6: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 4) - Reflections
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...
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Episode 5: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 3) - Voices from the Trenches
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,...
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Episode 4: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 2) - Voices from the Trenches
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...
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Episode 3: Navigating Perfectionism (Part 1)
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...
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Episode 2: Asynchronous Development
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...
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Episode 1: Introduction - What is Giftedness?
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Gifted Ed Podcast was developed as a resource for educators who work with gifted and high-achieving students and for our parent community. Gifted children have advanced cognitive abilities for their age and this asynchronous development can often come with heightened intensity. Combined, this dissonance can create an inner experience and awareness that is qualitatively different from the norm. Through our podcast, we explore the complexities of educating gifted children through the sharing of experiences and interviews with educators and other professionals who work with gifted children.
HOSTED BY
The Avery Coonley School
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Gifted Ed Podcast have?
The Gifted Ed Podcast currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Gifted Ed Podcast about?
The Gifted Ed Podcast was developed as a resource for educators who work with gifted and high-achieving students and for our parent community. Gifted children have advanced cognitive abilities for their age and this asynchronous development can often come with heightened intensity. Combined, this...
How often does The Gifted Ed Podcast release new episodes?
The Gifted Ed Podcast has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Gifted Ed Podcast?
You can listen to The Gifted Ed Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Gifted Ed Podcast?
The Gifted Ed Podcast is created and hosted by The Avery Coonley School.
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