They'll Be Fine

With 19+ years of experience, Dr. McCabe has a Master’s and PhD in Psychology from UNC-CH. She has also been intensively trained in DBT, DBT-C, CBT, PCIT, and FST. “Dr. Mel” opened RDU Therapy in 2022 with the hopes of giving families high-quality expert support in a manner that fits their lifestyle. She works with children (6+ yo), adolescents, adults, couples, parents, families, other providers, and high-achievers. Dr. McCabe specializes in: Depression, Anxiety, BPD, ADHD, DMDD, Selfharm, Suicidality, Burnout, Life Transitions, family conflict, and parenting support. She offers telehealth, DBT groups, Burnout group, our Intensive therapy program (Relational Rehab), educational trainings, speaking engagements, and is the “Real Life with RDU Therapy” podcast host. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family & friends, walk our therapy dog (Doc), traveling, running, and hiking. You can follow her on Instagram at @dr_melanie_mccabe. *****************************************************************************Learn more about the Academically Gifted Teacher Certificate through Eastern Carolina University here.

Chamonix Mann is a Gifted and Talented specialist with 14 years experience in elementary education, currently serving students and teachers in Texas. She is the creator of Gifted Glow Up Studio, a digital platform dedicated to helping educators and families move beyond compliance-driven instruction and into meaningful, inquiry-based learning experiences for gifted learners.Chamonix is passionate about redefining what it means to support gifted students- advocating for depth, creativity, and authentic challenge over speed and perfection. Her work centers on creating opportunities for gifted learners to think critically, creatively, and authentically.Follow her on Instagram @giftedglowupstudio

Jessica LaFollette has been teaching gifted learners for over 25 years and serves on the board of directors for the National Association for Gifted Children. She currently teaches gifted students at Piper Middle School in Kansas City and instructs graduate courses at the University of Missouri in differentiation. Dr. LaFollette is co-author of the LEAP Guidebook and Modules for Differentiating Instruction and recently authored the book, Magic in the Middle: Hands-on Challenges that Create Joy for Gifted Middle School Students. She is a Past President of the Kansas Association for the Gifted, Talented and Creative and past Chair of NAGC’s Parent, Family and Community Network. When she is not teaching, she enjoys puzzles, reading, baking, and traveling with her husband and four children.

Aritia Smalls brings nearly two decades of educational expertise to her role as Advanced Learning and Gifted Education Coordinator. A deep-seated passion for student potential defines her career; she works tirelessly to ensure that advanced resources and academic support are accessible to all students, empowering them to reach their full potential.Lisa Pagano currently serves as the Director of Advanced Studies for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Lisa brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in gifted education. Throughout her career, Lisa has been recognized for her contributions to education innovation, i Lisa holds advanced certifications and degrees in School Leadership, Gifted Education, and Curriculum and Instruction. An accomplished educator and published author, she has shared her insights on gifted education in various professional publications, including Parenting for High Potential. She is thrilled to work on and co-host the podcast, They’ll Be Fine. Lisa has worked as a Per Diem Consultant with Thinking Maps for the past 8 years. She also works with schools and districts through her gifted education consulting business, bright & brilliant, LLC.Trinette Atri is a National Board Certified educator with 21 years of experience and an AIG Instructional Specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, supporting gifted education across 100+ elementary schools. She serves on the NCAGT Board as a Presidential Appointee and co-hosts the podcast They’ll Be Fine. Trinette is also the longtime Program Director of Spectrum of the Arts, a summer program for students gifted in the arts. She also taught AIG teacher licensure courses at Queens University of Charlotte and holds degrees from Boston College and the University of Bradford in the UK.

Michael S. Matthews is Professor in the Cato College of Education of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Matthews has held leadership roles in the Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG of the American Educational Research Association, the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the North Carolina Association for the Gifted & Talented, and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Talented and Gifted division (CEC-TAG). He has co-edited both Gifted Child Quarterly and the Journal of Advanced Academics. At the local level he is also a founding board member and Board Chair for a public charter school that uses gifted education pedagogy to meet the needs of all learners. Dr. Matthews is widely published in the field, having authored or edited six books and over 60 peer-reviewed articles. His research addresses identification in gifted education; underachievement, parenting, and motivation among high-ability children, including those in homeschooling and those with dual exceptionalities; and open science and research methods in gifted education. Dr. Matthews’ recent recognitions in his field include the 2025 Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Association for Gifted Children and the 2026 James J. Gallagher Advocacy Award from the North Carolina Association for the Gifted & Talented. His research can be seen in his Google Scholar profile at https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=01ia7AIAAAAJ&hl=en

A graduate of Appalachian State University (1976), Chris Yeager went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education and Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Beginning a career in education, Chris taught English at 71st High School, later serving as an Instructional Curriculum Facilitator for three years and briefly as an Assistant Principal at the elementary level.In 1996, Chris Yeager joined Thinking Maps, Inc., where they served as Director of Professional Development for nearly three decades, supporting educators nationwide. During this time, Chria also co-authored numerous textbooks and instructional resources, contributing significantly to the field of visual learning and instructional practice.🔗Learn more about Thinking Maps here.

Today, we're tackling a topic that can feel a bit intimidating when teaching gifted students: math. Well known by its acronym, (AoPS), Art of Problem Solving has a unique approach to teaching math, focusing not just on rote memorization but on deep conceptual understanding and creative problem-solving. It's a curriculum that challenges students to think outside the box and build a true foundation in mathematics.Grayson Maas joined Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) in 2015. He earned his PhD in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of California Santa Barbara where he conducted research, wrote, and taught about the various factors contributing to underrepresentation in STEM education and in the workforce. He has spent the last ten years at AoPS working to deliver the most engaging and transformative educational experiences possible for hundreds of thousands of students.Art of Problem Solving

Educator, curriculum designer, parent, and community builder, Leslie Kerner is the COO and co-founder of Silverquicken. She’s spent the last 25 years developing K-12 education products and services. At Amplify, she worked closely with teachers and administrators around the country to bring them solutions that help their students succeed. At Silverquicken, she’s designed, developed, and implemented programs for gifted students, including direct instruction with K-8 students and teacher training for gifted and general education teachers.Teacher, author, and curriculum developer, Chris Ryan is CEO and co-founder of Silverquicken. He spent 15+ years growing an education startup to the world’s largest provider of GMAT test-preparation services, after close to a decade of consulting and teaching high school chemistry/physics. He’s authored, co-authored, and edited numerous nonfiction books, and is working on a middle-grade novel. At Silverquicken, he builds puzzles, games, and stories to help awaken the curiosity and wonder of learning.Links:Silverquicken www.silverquicken.comSilverquicken Instagram: www.instagram.com/silverquickenSilverquicken Facebook: www.facebook.com/silverquicken

Michelle Lourcey is a Director of the NC Advanced Placement Partnership, State and District Partnerships, through the College Board. During her 34 years in education, she has served as a high school English teacher -- both face-to-face and online -- as well as a curriculum specialist, high school administrator, and the Chief Academic Officer of the NC Virtual Public School. She is dedicated to strengthening teacher practice as teacher practice directly impacts student learning. Brian Barnes is a Senior Director at College Board and leads the North Carolina AP Partnership. A former school principal, teacher, and basketball coach, he brings a school leader’s perspective to expanding access to rigorous coursework and strengthening college and career readiness across North Carolina. In his role, Brian works closely with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, district and school leaders, and statewide partners to build practical, sustainable structures that support strong instruction and long-term student success.College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/

Dr. Emily King is a Child Psychologist and former School Psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent children and teens for over 20 years. She received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she worked at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. She began her career as a School Psychologist in Houston, Texas specializing in providing school-based mental health in K-12 public schools. Emily now works in private practice in North Carolina supporting the mental health needs of neurodivergent youth, their families, and their teachers.You can find more of her on the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, where you can find her workshops, blogs, and podcast.You can also find her professional development offerings for teachers here.She is also the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom, a professional development curriculum for educators. And her new book, THE NEURODIVERGENT LEARNER, will be available for presale in early 2026!https://www.learnwithdremily.com/https://www.learnwithdremily.com/teachershttps://www.learnwithdremily.com/parents@emilywkingphdNCAGT Blogs on this topic:https://www.ncagt.org/post/winter1https://www.ncagt.org/post/winter2https://www.ncagt.org/post/winter3https://www.ncagt.org/post/2elearners

Summer Cowick is an educator and founder of Brilliant And Then Some who specializes in supporting gifted students, particularly those with Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities (OEs). Her work focuses on managing and leveraging these five intensities—emotional, imaginational, intellectual, psychomotor, and sensual—to help gifted children and families understand and nurture their unique needs in educational and home environments. She offers practical strategies and insights through presentations, workshops, and her coaching organization, aiming to transform teaching and learning by addressing the authentic needs of gifted individuals.Brilliant and Then Some"Mellow Out," They Say. If I Only Could (2013) by Michael PiechowskiFact Check: 85% of gifted have one overexcitability

Monica Simonds, M.Ed., is a Strategist for K-12 Assessments at Riverside Insights. In this role, she works closely with educators across the U.S. to help them gain greater insight and utility from their assessment data with a specific focus on best practices for identifying and serving gifted and talented students. Monica is the 2017 recipient of the NAGC Gifted Coordinator award and the 2019 TAGT Administrator of the Gifted award. On this episode, she shares resources on how to support gifted students after they receive their Cognitive Ability Test score.https://riversideinsights.com/

Andi is the owner and gifted education consultant for A Meaningful Mess, LLC. A recognized thought leader in the field, she was named one of the Top People in Education to Watch by the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences in 2016. Andi is dedicated to helping educators engage and empower today’s learners through practical strategies that foster creativity and student-driven learning.She is the author of several publications, including Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry, A Meaningful Mess: A Teacher's Guide to Student-Driven Classrooms, Ready-to-Use Resources for Genius Hour in the Classroom: Taking Passion Projects to the Next Level, and Designing for Depth: A Framework for Purposeful Differentiation. Andi continues to advocate for gifted learners and strives to make teaching strategies both innovative and accessible.

Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor at Lipscomb University with more than two decades of experience in gifted education as a teacher, district leader, and researcher. She’s passionate about helping educators challenge and support gifted and high-potential students through meaningful curriculum design, differentiation, and social-emotional learning. Emily is the co-author of several award-winning books, including Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education —named NAGC’s 2021 Book of the Year—(with Vicki Phelps) and Vertical Differentiation for Gifted, Advanced, and High-Potential Students. She’s a frequent keynote and featured speaker for gifted organizations and works with school districts across the country to deepen rigor and create learning experiences that stretch student thinking.Dr. Vicki Phelps is Executive Director/Head of School for Quest Academy, a school for gifted learners in Palatine, IL. She has been involved in gifted education for over 25 years, including teaching and leading gifted services at both the elementary and secondary levels as well as serving as an assistant professor of education. She regularly keynotes and presents at gifted conferences and is the recipient of the 2021 NAGC Book of the Year (with Emily Mofield) for Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education. In addition to her published research and various other articles, she is also the author of Strength-Based Goal Setting in Gifted Education (with Karah Lewis), Coaching in Gifted Education (with Emily Mofield), and Successful Online Learning with Gifted Students. She is excited about her new project with Routledge: The Power of Purpose in Gifted Education: An Instructional Decision-Making Framework for Student-Centered Learning. Dr. Phelps is Chair for NAGC’s Special Schools & Programs and serves as a reviewer for articles, books, and proposals.

UNC Honors Carolina is a premier undergraduate academic program at the University of North Carolina and today we have Jason Clemmons, the Director of Curriculum, Recruitment & Operations for Honors Carolina. In this episode, Jason provides an overview of the program, including its distinctive offerings to these Honor students such as small, faculty-led courses, career and professional development support, priority registration, first-year housing, and an extensive selection of global travel opportunities. He emphasizes how Honors Carolina forms a close-knit community within the larger university, fostering intellectual curiosity and offering students a multitude of opportunities for learning and personal growth.

In this episode of They’ll Be Fine, we speak with Todd Roberts, the Chancellor of the North Carolina School of Science and Math. NCSSM was the first school of its kind, a public residential high school where students study a specialized curriculum emphasizing science and mathematics. Annually, NCSSM serves 11th and 12th grade students in its Residential program across two campuses, plus additional North Carolina students in the NCSSM Online program and through other distance education offerings. NCSSM also provides science and math enrichment opportunities for K-12 students, course content, and professional development for teachers throughout North Carolina.Dr. Todd Roberts was appointed chancellor of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) in August 2010. Previously, Dr. Roberts served as superintendent of the 16,500-student Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan. A Durham, N.C., native, Dr. Roberts began his career in the Durham Public Schools, where he was a high school teacher and elementary school principal. Dr. Roberts holds a B.A. from Duke University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Educator, curriculum designer, parent, and community builder, Leslie Kerner is the COO and co-founder of Silverquicken. She’s spent the last 25 years developing K-12 education products and services. At Amplify, she worked closely with teachers and administrators around the country to bring them solutions that help their students succeed. At Silverquicken, she’s designed, developed, and implemented programs for gifted students, including direct instruction with K-8 students and teacher training for gifted and general education teachers.Teacher, author, and curriculum developer, Chris Ryan is CEO and co-founder of Silverquicken. He spent 15+ years growing an education startup to the world’s largest provider of GMAT test-preparation services, after close to a decade of consulting and teaching high school chemistry/physics. He’s authored, co-authored, and edited numerous nonfiction books, and is working on a middle-grade novel. At Silverquicken, he builds puzzles, games, and stories to help awaken the curiosity and wonder of learning. Links:Silverquicken www.silverquicken.comSilverquicken Instagram: www.instagram.com/silverquickenSilverquicken Facebook: www.facebook.com/silverquicken

Ann Mary is a high school senior in Wake County. She is an advocate for gifted education programs for students and is raising awareness of the importance of student voice in gifted education policy. She currently works with the Wake County Advanced Learning Services team as a student advisor and with the National Gifted and Talented Student Advocacy Board as a senior board member. She is also the president of an international nonprofit called YAPA Kids, which is dedicated to inspiring academic curiosity in students from grades 1-8. In her free time, she loves to go on runs and read mystery novels!Episode Link:Yapa Kids www.yapakids.org

Justin Mitchell, an eighth-grade social studies teacher and gifted and talented coordinator at Franklin Simpson Middle School, shares his unique and engaging approaches to teaching history. Justin discusses the importance of making history come alive for students, particularly gifted learners, through creativity and pop culture. He emphasizes experiential learning, ethical decision-making, and the significance of social studies in fostering future leaders. Justin explains his distinctive methods, such as themed debates, interactive projects, and the integration of contemporary cultural references, to keep students engaged. He also highlights the value of cross-curricular connections and the importance of preparing students for critical thinking and civil discourse. Throughout, Justin offers practical insights and resources for educators to enhance their teaching strategies.Connect with Justin on Instagram at @justinkylemitchell. You can also email him at [email protected].

The North Carolina Governor's School is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. Learning focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. Students are selected to attend through a competitive process after being nominated by their public school unit or non-public school.The Governor's School at NCDPI appreciates Lance, Bly, and Alden sharing their experiences from Governor's School. Our alumni are our greatest advocates, and we are delighted to hear them encourage students to apply for Governor's School. If you are interested in applying, please speak with your school counselor or local GS contact about deadlines and your school's process for applying. Deadlines are approaching, and we would love for you to consider joining us on campus!https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/north-carolina-governors-school

Today, we're tackling a topic that can feel a bit intimidating when teaching gifted students: math. Well known by its acronym, (AoPS), Art of Problem Solving has a unique approach to teaching math, focusing not just on rote memorization but on deep conceptual understanding and creative problem-solving. It's a curriculum that challenges students to think outside the box and build a true foundation in mathematics.Grayson Maas joined Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) in 2015. He earned his PhD in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of California Santa Barbara where he conducted research, wrote, and taught about the various factors contributing to underrepresentation in STEM education and in the workforce. He has spent the last ten years at AoPS working to deliver the most engaging and transformative educational experiences possible for hundreds of thousands of students.Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)

Summer Cowick is an educator and founder of Brilliant And Then Some who specializes in supporting gifted students, particularly those with Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities (OEs). Her work focuses on managing and leveraging these five intensities—emotional, imaginational, intellectual, psychomotor, and sensual—to help gifted children and families understand and nurture their unique needs in educational and home environments. She offers practical strategies and insights through presentations, workshops, and her coaching organization, aiming to transform teaching and learning by addressing the authentic needs of gifted individuals.Brilliant and Then Some"Mellow Out," They Say. If I Only Could (2013) by Michael Piechowski Fact Check: 85% of gifted have one overexcitability

Chris Rice is an experienced educator, advocate, and speaker. He has over 10 years of experience as a school psychologist and has worked in several states and with students ages 3-21. Currently, Chris serves as a gifted education psychologist for a large school district in North Carolina. He has the opportunity to help influence policy and practice, work directly with gifted learners, and support AIG teachers through professional learning–among other roles and responsibilities. In his free time, Chris is the Vice President of NCAGT, serves on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for the National Association for Gifted Children, and enjoys speaking with parents, educators, and anyone else interested in supporting gifted and advanced learners. If not at work, in a board meeting, or on stage, you can find Chris on the lacrosse field coaching his son’s team or spending time with his family–probably outside on a trail.Adele Vensel is a passionate educator, advocate, and PhD student at UNC Charlotte, specializing in Special Education with a focus on gifted education. With over 15 years of experience in public education, Adele has worked in Title I schools across all grade levels, from preschool to high school. She currently serves as a gifted education specialist for a school district in southwestern North Carolina where she collaborates closely with gifted learners and supports teachers through professional development . Adele is also an alumna of the Public School Forum of North Carolina’s Educational Policy Fellowship, which allows her to shape policy and practice. Outside of her professional work, Adele is actively involved with the Advocacy and Engagement committee of NCAGT, leads SENG community groups, and is a dedicated advocate for gifted and advanced learners. When she's not working, you can find Adele enjoying the great outdoors, whether she's swimming, biking, or running.Resources:Proposed Cuts to AP FundingNCDPI Advanced Learning & Gifted Education

Dr. Emily King is a Child Psychologist and former School Psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent children and teens for over 20 years. She received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she worked at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. She began her career as a School Psychologist in Houston, Texas specializing in providing school-based mental health in K-12 public schools. Emily now works in private practice in North Carolina supporting the mental health needs of neurodivergent youth, their families, and their teachers.You can find more of her on the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, where you can find her workshops, blogs, and podcast.You can also find her professional development offerings for teachers here.She is also the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom, a professional development curriculum for educators. And her new book, THE NEURODIVERGENT LEARNER, will be available for presale in early 2026!https://www.learnwithdremily.com/https://www.learnwithdremily.com/teachershttps://www.learnwithdremily.com/parents@emilywkingphdNCAGT Blogs on this topic:https://www.ncagt.org/post/winter1https://www.ncagt.org/post/winter2https://www.ncagt.org/post/winter3https://www.ncagt.org/post/2elearners

You might know Todd Stanley from his YouTube channel “Todd Talks” or his website “The Gifted Guy” which has a ton of free resources! Todd served as classroom teacher for 18 years and then, has the gifted coordinator for Pickerington Schools the past 10 years. In this episode we discuss the power of project based learning, something he has a lot of experience in and wrote a few books. He shares some of his favorite tools from his book Teachers’ Toolbox for Gifted Education. We also discuss his new book, Letting Student Voices Shine: Using Online Talks to Teach Public Speaking, where he shares the how and why on student presentations. Beyond teaching and writing, Stanley is an active speaker and workshop facilitator and offers professional development sessions. This episode is packed with great nuggets to help you create better structure and empower your students.

Monica Simonds, M.Ed., is a Strategist for K-12 Assessments at Riverside Insights. In this role, she works closely with educators across the U.S. to help them gain greater insight and utility from their assessment data with a specific focus on best practices for identifying and serving gifted and talented students. Monica is the 2017 recipient of the NAGC Gifted Coordinator award and the 2019 TAGT Administrator of the Gifted award. On this episode, she shares resources on how to support gifted students after they receive their Cognitive Ability Test score.https://riversideinsights.com/

Gia Kaul combines her rich background of teaching elementary and middle school to impactful roles at Pearson Education, the National Math and Science Initiative, and the College Board. Currently, she serves in the Schools Development position at Cambridge International Education. Her expertise lies in fostering strong connections with state, district, and school stakeholders to drive educational opportunities for students. In this episode, Gia discusses the mission and impact of Cambridge International, a global leader in education programs and qualifications, and how Cambridge supports students and educators around the world with interesting and advanced curriculum.https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/usa/

In this episode of They’ll Be Fine, we're chatting with Brian Housand and Stephanie Higgs! With a Ph.D. in Gifted Education from University of Connecticut, Brian has written books and given numerous presentations focused on gifted education. As the coordinator of gifted programs at UNC Wilmington, he educates and inspires teachers to bring more creativity to the classroom for their gifted students. He is also known for integrating technology in interesting and exciting new ways. If you have been lucky enough to be a student of his or listen to one of his presentations, you know what I’m talking about. Stephanie Higgs, as known as Little Miss Gifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, passionate presenter, and your #1 hype girl! After listening to her you will leave energized, equipped, and empowered for an educational glow up!Today they are here to talk about Gripes to Grapes - In their words, Gifted education is magical, but it can also make you feel like you’ve lost your sparkle. You’re pulled in a thousand directions, expected to do it all, and often misunderstood (even by your peers). This summer, it’s time to reconnect with your magic. To pause. To prune. To believe in yourself again. Because you are a gifted teacher. Because YOU are a rare and radiant unicorn! 🦄 And they are here to help you see that again. We hope you enjoy this episode with Brian and Stephanie Register: https://www.brianhousand.com/offers/isStKSoB/checkout

Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S., is an international author, educator, presenter, and professional development provider with 30 years of experience in education. He is the author of Inquiring Minds Want to Learn: Posing Good Questions to Promote Student Inquiry (Solution Tree),Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method and Model for Deeper Teaching and Learning (Solution Tree), Now That’s a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning (ASCD). Erik is the owner of Maverik Education, providing professional learning and support on how to plan and provide teaching and learning experiences that are standards driven and student supportive. He is also consistently ranked as one of the World’sTop 30 Education Professionals by the international research organization Global Gurus and the Top 10 Global Thought Leaders in Education by the organization Thinkers360.Maverik Education: www.maverikeducation.com Twitter / X: @maverikedu12LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maverikeducation/ Deconstructing Depth of Knowledge: A Method for Deeper Teaching and Learning:www.solutiontree.com/truedok Inquiring Minds Want to Learn: Posing Good Questions to Promote Student Inquiry:www.solutiontree.com/inquiringminds

In this episode of They’ll Be Fine, we speak with Crawford Leavoy, National Speech & Debate Tournament Champion coach. For the past 12 years as Director of Speech & Debate at Durham Academy, he's built a program that consistently dominates the national stage: 12 straight years of Top 20 finishes at the National Speech & Debate Tournament, with multiple Top 10 placements. He's a three-time North Carolina Coach of the Year and a two-diamond coach with the NSDA. Crawford creates an environment where gifted students are challenged, where their passions ignite, and where they learn to apply their academic skills in a competitive, yet supportive, arena. He prioritizes developing well-rounded individuals, fostering leadership, confidence, and critical thinking. For him, it’s about building good people, not just good debaters. Get ready to learn more about Speech & Debate from one of the most successful speech and debate programs in the country in this conversation with Crawford.

Welcome back to They’ll Be Fine, the podcast where we dive into the most impactful practices in gifted education and beyond. In this episode, we’re exploring an instructional approach that transforms classrooms into vibrant spaces for critical thinking, inquiry, and meaningful dialogue—the Paideia approach.We recently had the privilege of sitting down with two incredible school leaders in Charlotte, NC– Kelly Dowdy and Jane Armbruster, They implement the Paideia framework at their schools with remarkable success. They shared invaluable insights into how this philosophy fosters deep learning, student engagement, and a culture of intellectual curiosity.Kelly Dowdy is in her 25th year in education. She has served as the principal of Elon Park Elementary since January 2017. Her career began as a fifth-grade teacher at the same elementary school she attended as a student. She has also taught fourth grade, worked as a literacy facilitator, and served as an assistant principal. In 2005, she earned her National Board Certification as a classroom teacher and has chosen to maintain it even after transitioning out of the classroom. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Winthrop University in 2011. A native of Charlotte and a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Kelly has always had a love for learning at every level. -Born in Hong Kong, Jane Armbruster comes from a family of educators, a legacy that began with her grandparents. Her passion for education runs deep—her sister previously taught at the university level, working with master's students, while her brother teaches in international schools at the middle and high school levels. With 28 years of experience in education, Jane currently serves as the Principal of Providence Spring Elementary in Charlotte, NC, which is home to one of the largest populations of gifted students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Since joining CMS in 2000, she has held various roles, including classroom teacher, Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teacher, facilitator, and assistant principal. She holds National Board Certification and an Academically Gifted Licensure and is deeply committed to creating enriching learning experiences for all students. Beyond school leadership, she has presented at the National Gifted Conference, the NCAGT Conference, and the National Paideia Center. She thrives on problem-solving and critical analysis, always seeking ways to enhance education for all students. The daily joys of working in a school continue to energize her, and she finds fulfillment in collaborating with educators, students, and families to create meaningful learning experiences. She is dedicated to working with all stakeholders to develop not only strong learners but also responsible citizens and stewards of the world.

In this episode of They'll Be Fine, Kim Tredick, a seasoned educator with 36 years in public education, discusses her journey and passion for gifted education. She details her professional background from being an elementary school teacher to an assistant superintendent, emphasizing the need for differentiation. Kim introduces the Depth and Complexity framework, developed in the early 1990s by Dr. Sandra Kaplan and Betty Gould, as a way to enhance critical and creative thinking among students of all learning levels. She explains how the framework utilizes visual icons to help students actively engage in metacognition, promoting inclusive and equitable education. The interview covers practical applications of the framework, its benefits, and success stories, along with resources available through J. Taylor Education and the Center for Depth and Complexity for educators and parents alike.Kim Tredick is currently a lead trainer and curriculum writer for the Center for Depth and Complexity. Kim has applied Depth and Complexity for three decades in various educational roles as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. In 2006, she was awarded the Milken National Educator award for her work with differentiation. Kim is the author of the best-selling Differentiation Smart Reference Guide, which is used in over 40,000 classrooms. As one of the original participating educators during the first PD rollout of Depth & Complexity in the 1990s, she provides practical, effective strategies for utilizing the Depth & Complexity framework.

“They're smart. Why would they need additional services? They’ll be fine!” Sound Familiar? Time and time again we hear “they’ll be fine, they’re smart," when people refer to gifted learners. Because of this sad misconception, too many students fail to reach their potential because they do not receive appropriately challenging curriculum and services. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) reports that 73% of teachers agreed that, “Too often the brightest students are bored and under-challenged in school. - we’re not giving them a sufficient chance to thrive.” Our nation’s education policies narrowly focus on the achievement gap for struggling learners, which is extremely problematic for the widening “excellence gap” faced by high-ability students. Most regular classroom teachers do not receive adequate training to recognize and address the needs of high-ability learners. This is even more pronounced for children of color, English Language Learners, and children from low-income backgrounds. In addition, these teachers are under a prohibitive amount of pressure to close the achievement gap of their struggling students; while this is an important measure, it shouldn’t be at the expense of our gifted and talented students. Here at NCAGT we believe that it is up to us, as parents, educators and stakeholders to provide the gifted community the support that they rightfully deserve. Listen to “They’ll Be Fine’ to learn more about what you can do to ensure that your Gifted and Talented Scholars are provided the resources they need to thrive. We're here because the saying “they’ll be fine” just isn’t good enough.Please follow us on social media @theyllbefineThis form (https://forms.gle/6GxhA3e9no1k6P4t6) can be used to receive your professional development certificate for the ‘They'll Be Fine’ podcast. Please note that NCAGT is not a credit-granting agency. We encourage you to check with your administration to determine if your participation will count toward continuing education requirements.

Welcome back to They'll Be Fine! This week, we're tackling a complex and often misunderstood topic: intelligence testing. But we're not just scratching the surface. We're going straight to the source, speaking with Dr. Jack Naglieri. Dr. Naglieri, an Emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, has dedicated his career to creating more equitable and accurate assessment tools. He's the driving force behind the Naglieri General Ability Test, a recent winner of the 2024 Excellence in Equity – Industry Impact Award, and a recipient of the prestigious New York Association of School Psychologists Legends Award.Dr. Naglieri's work revolutionizes how we understand intelligence. In this episode, he explains how tests can measure thinking itself, not just accumulated knowledge. He also explains his COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM, which focuses on four essential cognitive processes: Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive – or PASS. We'll delve into how these assessments can provide a fairer, more nuanced understanding of intelligence across diverse populations, and how this data can empower teachers to tailor their instruction for every student. Let's welcome the brilliant Dr. Jack Naglieri!https://jacknaglieri.com/https://jacknaglieri.com/tests

Dr. Dina Brulles is a true leader in the field of gifted education. She is the Gifted Program Coordinator at Arizona State University, a former Director of Gifted Education, and a co-author of the Naglieri General Abilities Test. She's also served in key leadership roles at the National Association for Gifted Children and has actively supported and served as a mentor for the Javits Frasier Scholarship Program since 2010.As you will hear, Dina is passionate about creating equitable and inclusive gifted education programs. This episode dives deep into creating inclusive gifted services that truly support all learners. We discuss identification, DOK framework, cluster grouping, flexible grouping, and collaborative learning. So, whether you're a teacher, parent, or just curious about the future of gifted education, this episode offers valuable insights and practical ideas.Dina received the 2022 NAGC Anne Isaacs Award for Distinguished Service, the 2019 and the 2020 NAGC Book of the Year Award (practitioners), NAGC’s inaugural 2014 Gifted Coordinator Award, and the Professional Development Network Award in 2013.Dina’s books include A Teacher’s Guide to Flexible Grouping and Collaborative Learning; Designing Gifted Education Programs; Differentiated Lessons for All Learners; The Cluster Grouping Handbook; Teaching Gifted Kids in Today’s Classrooms; Helping All Gifted Children Learn; Understanding and Using the Naglieri General Ability Tests: A Call for Equity in Gifted Education and the Naglieri Ability Test – Verbal.More information on Dina Brulles can be found at Gifted Education ConsultantsNaglieri Gifted TestsWhat is Depth of KnowledgeErik Francis’ Now That’s a Good Question

Welcome to They'll Be Fine! We are Kim Hackman and Lisa Pagano,  and we're the new hosts of this podcast. We're really looking forward to connecting with all of you about the needs of our academically and intellectually gifted. But first, we want to introduce ourselves. Starting next Friday, new episodes will be released every other week, so be sure to follow us!Whether you're deeply involved in the world of gifted education, constantly searching for the latest research and best practices, or just starting to explore this complex and often overlooked area, you're in the right place.On They'll Be Fine, we're going to dive deep into the realities of gifted education, focusing on the students who are so often missed and underserved. Think of this as your go to resource for understanding the challenges, exploring the solutions, and amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard. We'll be exploring the lack of academic and social emotional support, discussing systemic inequalities, and celebrating the potential of every gifted child.Please let us know in the comments, who you'd like us to interview and what burning questions you have about gifted education. What were your favorite episodes of the past two years? We are doing this to support you. So please let us know what topics you would like us to focus on by sharing it with us in the comments.

In this episode, Julia, a former teacher turned school counselor, shares how her experience in the classroom led her to write 126 children's books focused on positive parenting, teaching strategies, and emotional growth. She discusses her new website, Cookie Bites, offering resources for parents and educators to help children manage anxiety, build self-esteem, and navigate social-emotional challenges.Julia also talks about the importance of trust, communication, and setting boundaries in both parenting and teaching, providing practical tips for managing classroom behavior, morning routines, and boosting engagement. She shares strategies for fostering empathy and supporting gifted or differently-abled children, plus how her Cookie Bites platform is making a difference in virtual classrooms.Tune in for valuable insights on empowering kids and creating a positive learning environment!Show Notes: https://www.juliacookonline.com/cookie-bytes/https://www.juliacookonline.com/about-julia/ Link for picture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sx6-Fq9P2SkY3TYwbmNSGU92CyI_8Q1W/view?usp=drive_link

In this engaging and informative episode of Back Pocket Strategies, join hosts Alexia, Hannah, and Katharine as they discuss practical and adaptable teaching strategies that educators can use in diverse classroom settings. From the transformative Socratic Seminar to creative math and language games, the trio shares their experiences and tips to help students build essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and active listening. Tune in for a variety of back pocket strategies you can implement immediately to energize your teaching and foster a dynamic learning environment.Interested in Katharine's Socratic Seminar materials? Email her at [email protected] Number, Digit, Place Game Instructions CLICK HERE

In this episode, we explore creative and engaging activities that help students develop critical thinking, reasoning, and persuasive communication skills. From making unexpected connections between everyday items to practicing persuasive speaking and crafting logical rebuttals, these activities are designed to challenge and inspire gifted learners. Whether you're looking for fun ways to encourage deep thinking, enhance argumentation skills, or foster creativity, this episode offers practical strategies you can easily incorporate into your classroom. Tune in for ideas that will help your students think outside the box and communicate with confidence!

Join us for an insightful episode with Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP, a renowned expert in executive function with over 25 years of experience. Sarah, along with her Co-Director Kristen Jacobsen, developed the award-winning 360 Thinking Executive Function Program, celebrated for its innovative approach to addressing executive dysfunction. Their work has reached over 2,000 schools and organizations worldwide, earning them recognition as one of the Top 10 Professional Development Providers for 2023 by Education Technology Insights Magazine. Tune in to explore practical strategies and groundbreaking insights from one of the leading voices in executive function education!

Today’s episode features UCPS AIG TOY Brooke Kramb. Brooke has taught multiple grade levels, AIG, worked as a Literacy Facilitator and Curriculum Support/Interventionist, authored two children’s books, and so much more. We discussed a few engaging and memorable projects and activities that she has used in her classroom over the years to engage her gifted students in reading and math. If you want to learn more or have questions for Brooke, feel free to reach out to her by email at [email protected]

Today’s episode features an interview with speech-language pathologist and social-emotional expert, Elizabeth Sautter. Elizabeth is the author of Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick! Practical activities to help your child manage emotions, navigate social situations & reduce anxiety, along with many other resources, including an online course and community for parents. Elizabeth speaks about whole body listening and how this idea has changed and adapted over the years so that it is more inclusive of all types of learners. Check out her website at www.ElizabethSautter.com and enjoy the episode!Everyday Regulation https://www.everydayregulation.com/ Sarah Ward https://www.efpractice.com/about-5-1 Beyond Book Smart https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/

This episode features Ann Jacob, an AIG teacher, who incorporates art, creativity, and adventure into her reading lessons with students. During her teaching career, Ann has taught art (K-8), grades 2-5, gifted grades 3-5, and has served as a resource teacher and specialist. She has presented at local, state, national and international conferences and conventions. Throughout her career, Ann has received numerous grants and accolades. Ann shares with us about her engaging escape rooms and gives us helpful tips for teaching gifted learners. If you would like to contact Ann, send her an email at [email protected] Ryan - Thinkers Keys https://www.thinkerskeys.com/Dr. Edward de Bono - 6 Thinking Hats https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/Visit this link to learn more about Talent Unleashed. https://www.ncagt.org/event-details/unleash-talent-increase-equitable-identification-and-services-in-your-school-or-district.

In this episode of They’ll Be Fine, we speak with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, an expert in childhood trauma and fortitude, about the unique challenges gifted learners face. Dr. K shares her insights on how trauma can impact gifted children and offers practical strategies for building emotional resilience at home and in the classroom. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation is filled with valuable advice to help gifted learners thrive despite the challenges they may face.https://www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/about/

Join us on "They'll Be Fine" for an enlightening conversation with award-winning author Gina Prosch as we explore the world of gifted education. In her latest book, Hope! More Than Wishful Thinking, Gina delves deep into the themes of resilience and perseverance, offering invaluable insights for supporting the emotional well-being of gifted and talented students. This episode is more than just a discussion—it's a call to action. We’ll challenge the status quo and uncover practical strategies to empower our brightest learners, showing how resilience, much like the engineering design process, turns setbacks into opportunities for innovation and growth. Don’t miss this chance to discover how we can cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges and fuels continuous learning for our gifted students.Hope! More Than Wishful Thinking You can learn more at ginaprosch.com.

In the season finale of NCAGT’s podcast, “They’ll Be Fine,” we take a nostalgic and insightful walk down memory lane, revisiting the most compelling conversations from season two. Join us for a captivating collection of highlights that include unique teaching strategies and a deep dive into the enriching experiences. Engage in enlightening discussions about the academic and social challenges faced by high-ability students, as well as the inspiring solutions and strategies presented by our diverse lineup of guests. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply passionate about advocating for gifted learners, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Don't miss it!

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Kayla, a foster care parent and an inspiring educator. Kayla shares her journey, from attending her first conference in 2015 to becoming a speaker and a passionate advocate for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Together with hosts Alexiaa and Katharine, they delve into the intricacies of teaching, the importance of creating an inclusive and understanding classroom environment, and share practical strategies for educators to engage their students. This episode is packed with inspiring stories, valuable insights, and real-life experiences that are sure to resonate with educators and listeners alike.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayladewald/https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kayla-Dewald

The NCAGT 2024 conference was filled with exciting vendors from all over. From Lego Education to the PBL Project, attendees were exposed to so many valuable resources and we want to share those with all of you! Listen to hear a snippet from some of the vendors including the PBL Project, Odyssey of the Mind, Cambridge Assessment, Riverside Insights, Lego Education, Renzulli, and Diffy-Q. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/ https://www.diffyqmetrics.com/ https://education.lego.com/en-us/http://www.ncom.org/ https://pblproject.com/ https://riversideinsights.com/ https://renzullilearning.com/

Today’s interview is with Trinette Atri, a 19-year veteran National Board Certified AIG Teacher at Providence Spring Elementary in Charlotte, NC. She served as an AIG Specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for many years. She is the Program Director of the Spectrum of the Arts (a summer program designed to meet students who are gifted in visual art, drama, dance, music, and creative writing). During this episode, she shares several engaging strategies that she has used in her own classroom over the years. Get ready to jot down some ideas, because this episode is full of some good ones!https://giftedteaching.com/

Welcome to an inspiring episode of our podcast, where we sit down with Chris Ryan, the CEO and co-founder of Silverquicken. Join us as we delve into a captivating conversation about the importance of cultivating psychologically safe environments for learning, fostering creativity, and embracing teamwork. Chris shares invaluable insights gleaned from his experience, emphasizing the profound impact of creating spaces where individuals feel safe to explore, innovate, and grow. From practical strategies for nurturing creativity to the transformative power of collaborative teamwork, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for educators, leaders, and learners alike. Tune in as we uncover the secrets to unlocking potential, igniting imagination, and building resilient communities that thrive on trust, creativity, and collaboration. Get ready to be inspired as we embark on a journey toward creating environments where everyone can flourish.