5 interesting (well, at least I think they are interesting) things about being a Gifted Education Specialist

Okay, please disregard the fact that it has been 4 super-busy years since my last post.  It looks like I left off on a bit of a sad note, so I wanted to reintroduce my blog in a more fun and interesting way.  So here are 5 things I find very interesting about being a Gifted Education Specialist in a middle school.

​1.  You have the weirdest and most amazing conversations every day.  Seriously.  I have had conversations with middle-school gifted students that I could never dream of happening.  One day, I had a casual conversation with a 7th grader about this generation's social upbringing being primarily impacted by John Ratzenberger.  On another day, I am in a heated debate on whether or not the Illuminati are real and defending the fact that I am not a part of this organization sent here to distract the gifted students from further research and infiltrating the Illuminati compound and their secrets. Every day brings about new fusions of topics for me.  It definitely  keeps my mind sharp to be around such creative thinkers!

2.  I get to teach the coolest topics and random facts within units are always welcome!  Right now, as I write, my young 6th-graders are developing websites tailored to their unique personalities.  Just before this class, I was neck deep in discussions with my 7th-graders about their Passion Projects (an in-depth project of the topic of their choice).  We were talking about writing a thesis that supports a claim on Sasquatch, whether or not dark chocolate was really better for you than milk chocolate, and holograms.  The interests of these 7th-graders runs the full spectrum of knowledge!  This afternoon, I will go into deep discussions with my 8th-graders on the various court cases they are studying that influence adolescent opinions in our country, and believe me, I have very opinionated kiddos with me!

​3.  The art.  Seriously.  It is either amazing or hilarious!  Either way - it's great!  One would think by the time a kid is in middle school, they don't make those cute pictures for their teachers.  WRONG!  The only difference is that the pictures are pretty recognizable, and can cover any topic that may not be related to the love and kindness you share with your student.  I posted a few special pieces for your viewing pleasure!

4.  Free therapy!  Being a gifted adult and former gifted child, I see myself in all these kiddos in some way, shape, or form.  I remember the high points of my gifted programs I was fortunate to be a part in and pull those qualities into my classroom.  I also remember the self-doubt and insecurities, perfectionistic tendencies that did more harm than good, and the way I was treated as a gifted child from my friends, peers, teachers, and other adults.  I remember it all and I make sure that I develop and amplify the good stuff and protect them as much as I can from the bad.  Being gifted isn't always a "gift."

5.  This list would be a joke if I didn't mention the kids themselves.  Do you have any idea what it is like to see the future?  I am not a clairvoyant, but working with and learning from this unique population of amazing students shows me that we are in for BIG things in the coming years!  Don't be fooled into thinking that all gifted kids are the same.  Each one is amazing and the potential I see is off the charts!  I may have featured student bloggers in my upcoming posts to demonstrate the epic job I have!

Thanks for reading!~  It feels good to be back in blogging!