They'll Be Fine

NCAGT

“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. 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. Follow us on social media @theyllbefine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Use this form https://forms.gle/6GxhA3e9no1k6P4t6 to receive your professional development certificate for the ‘They'll Be Fine’ podcast. Please note that NCAGT is not a credit-granting agency and therefore, we encourage you to check with your administration to determine if your participation will count toward continuing education requirements.

  1. North Carolina School of Science and Math with Chancellor Dr. Todd Roberts

    12/19/2025

    North Carolina School of Science and Math with Chancellor Dr. Todd Roberts

    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.

    47 min
  2. Seeds of Innovation: The Magic of Silverquicken

    12/05/2025

    Seeds of Innovation: The Magic of Silverquicken

    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

    53 min
  3. From Passion to Action: the Yapa Kids Story with Ann Mary Thomas

    11/21/2025

    From Passion to Action: the Yapa Kids Story with Ann Mary Thomas

    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

    37 min
  4. Engaging Gifted Learners in History with Creativity and Pop Culture

    11/07/2025

    Engaging Gifted Learners in History with Creativity and Pop Culture

    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 justin.mitchell@simpson.kyschools.us.

    48 min
  5. NC Governor's School with alumni Lance, Bly, and Alden

    10/24/2025

    NC Governor's School with alumni Lance, Bly, and Alden

    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

    37 min
  6. Teaching Math to Gifted Learners with Art of Problem Solving

    10/10/2025

    Teaching Math to Gifted Learners with Art of Problem Solving

    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)

    50 min
  7. Overexcitabilities with Summer Cowick

    09/26/2025

    Overexcitabilities with Summer Cowick

    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

    45 min
  8. Advocacy in Gifted Education with Chris Rice & Adele Vensel

    07/25/2025

    Advocacy in Gifted Education with Chris Rice & Adele Vensel

    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

    48 min
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About

“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. 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. Follow us on social media @theyllbefine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Use this form https://forms.gle/6GxhA3e9no1k6P4t6 to receive your professional development certificate for the ‘They'll Be Fine’ podcast. Please note that NCAGT is not a credit-granting agency and therefore, we encourage you to check with your administration to determine if your participation will count toward continuing education requirements.

Information

  • Creator
    NCAGT
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © NCAGT 2022
  • Show Website
    They'll Be Fine

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