MUSD Gifted Education Teachers Attend Regional Gifted Parent-Teacher Institute

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Marana Gifted Education teachers were excited to join parents and gifted educators from across Southern Arizona at the Regional Gifted Parent-Teacher Institute, an annual event hosted by the Southern Arizona Gifted Network. Teachers from Butterfield Elementary, Coyote Trail Elementary, Quail Run Elementary, Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8, and Twin Peaks K-8 explored how gifted children, often grappling with anxiety and a deep sense of justice, can benefit from intentional support in building hope and resilience. Sessions emphasized the importance of fostering connections- both academic and social-emotional- that empower these students to navigate their intense pathways in life. 

With the support of Mark Hess, National Association for Gifted Children State Representative Board Member, these teachers, along with several Marana parents in attendance, learned strategies for nurturing self-expression, processing perfectionism, and cultivating agency, all while reinforcing the vital relationships that help gifted learners thrive at home and school. This professional development opportunity not only enriched attendees' understanding, but also equipped them to better support gifted learners as they rediscover their potential and passion for learning.