Join host Michael Flusche as he chats with Ilana Walder and Alex Lochoff, from National Math Stars, a groundbreaking program that identifies mathematically extraordinary students as young as second grade and provides them with ten years of personalized support, mentorship, and access to advanced STEM opportunities—all at no cost to families or schools. Ilana and Alex share their personal journeys and the program’s mission to bring equity to gifted education, bridging gaps for underrepresented co...
May 19, 2025•44 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode, host Michael Flusche sits down with e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, an award-winning author, filmmaker, and youth literacy activist. From growing up in rural Texas to earning national acclaim, e.E. shares their inspiring journey and passion for amplifying student voices. With powerful stories and actionable insights, this conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing the potential in every student. Tune in to this special episode featuring one of the MasterMind spe...
May 12, 2025•39 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this episode of the TAGT Podcast, host Michael Flusche sits down with Dina Brulles, Ph.D., coordinator of the gifted master's program at Arizona State University, to explore her work on achieving equity in gifted education. Dr. Brulles shares insights on identifying high-potential students through innovative nonverbal testing methods, the transformative power of cluster grouping, and how tailored programming can address the needs of underserved populations. With a passion for empowering stude...
Apr 28, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Season 7 Premiere! We’re back and brighter than ever! Kicking off Season 7 with a sparkle, we’re sitting down with the one and only Stephanie Higgs—award-winning gifted educator, differentiation coach, and your new favorite hype girl for all things gifted education. Known as @littlemissgifted, Stephanie brings her high-energy, fast-talking, idea-packed brilliance to this episode, sharing fun and practical ways to support gifted learners. Get ready for easy-to-implement strategies, plenty of laug...
Apr 08, 2025•45 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Join us on this episode of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) Podcast as we dive into the power of advocacy in gifted education. Host Michael Flusche sits down with TAGT Policy Consultant Molly Quirk and TAGT Executive Director Paulina van Eeden Hill to discuss the upcoming legislative session and how educators, parents, and community members can get involved in shaping policy for gifted education in Texas. Suggested Resources TAGT’s Advocacy page Share your gifted educatio...
Feb 11, 2025•44 min
In this episode of the TAGT Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Housand and Andi McNair—two powerhouse voices in the world of gifted education. From exploring the shift from peer tutoring to thought partnerships to emphasizing authentic, meaningful learning, Brian and Andi share actionable insights to engage learners and educators alike. They discuss the critical role of collaboration, the importance of preparing students for life beyond the classroom, and how their innovative LEAF model can revo...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Join us on the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Podcast as we chat with Elizabeth White, the 2023 TAGT Educator for the Gifted and a dynamic educator from Hawkins ISD. In this episode, Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey from art major to award-winning engineering teacher, blending creativity, technology, and STEM in innovative ways. Hear how she uses hands-on projects like solar-powered robotic bees and blackout poems to engage students, including twice-exceptional learners, whi...
Dec 01, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Join us on the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Podcast as we sit down with Kelsey Kartcher, the 2023 Advocate for the Gifted Award winner. With nearly 20 years in gifted education, Kelsey shares her inspiring journey, from teaching gifted clusters to launching Growing Up Gifted , a platform empowering parents and educators. In this episode, she dives into the importance of equitable identification, the power of open-ended learning, and tools like jot-down forms that help uncover gi...
Dec 01, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Join us as we sit down with Cheryl Beard, the 2023 TAGT Administrator of the Gifted Award recipient, who has dedicated 32 years to education in Garland ISD as a teacher, campus leader, and district administrator. In her role as G/T Education Administrator, Cheryl oversees K-12 gifted programs, championing equitable representation and ensuring students receive high-quality academic and fine arts services. Inspired by her personal journey as a mom to gifted children, Cheryl shares insights from he...
Dec 01, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 3
This week's episode features Pete Hinojosa, founder of Omega Quest and Quest Leadership Dynamics. Pete shares his powerful journey from educator to corporate leadership developer, discussing his work to inspire leaders and foster personal growth. We delve into leadership development for gifted students, the importance of self-image, and practical strategies to empower the next generation of leaders. Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the world of education and leadership, offer...
Oct 21, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 2
In the first episode of Season 6 of the TAGT Podcast, renowned psychologist Robert Sternberg joins us to explore the evolving landscape of gifted education and why traditional methods focused on IQ and academic success fall short in preparing students for real-world challenges. Sternberg introduces the concept of "transactional giftedness", advocating for a more holistic approach that encourages students to use their talents to positively impact society. He emphasizes the importance of fostering...
Oct 11, 2024•44 min•Season 6Ep. 1
In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of gifted education with Dr. Susan Johnsen, a seasoned expert and advocate in the field. Dr. Johnsen shares her journey to becoming a pivotal figure in special and gifted education. She discusses the evolution of gifted education, the challenges of serving underrepresented groups, and the importance of minimizing bias in assessment tools. Dr. Johnsen's insights highlight the need for holistic and equitable approaches to identifying and nurturi...
Jul 15, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 6
On this episode of the TAGT Podcast, delve into the world of depth and complexity with Parker Tredick from J Taylor Education. Parker introduces us to the depth and complexity framework, a powerful tool designed to enhance critical thinking skills in students of all ages. He shares practical insights on how this framework can transform teaching and learning, empowering students to become critical thinkers. Through engaging anecdotes, Parker demonstrates how depth and complexity can revolutionize...
Jun 12, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this engaging episode of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented podcast, host Michael Flusche sits down with seasoned educator and G/T consultant Rolando Ruvalcaba. With 16 years of experience, Ruvalcaba discusses innovative strategies for enhancing gifted and talented programs, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and inclusivity. He also explores the unique challenges and opportunities in adapting G/T education to serve diverse and bilingual student populations effe...
May 20, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This week, join Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska as she discusses her pioneering work in gifted education. She details her early career as a high school teacher, her founding of the Midwest Talent Search and the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, and the importance of integrating social-emotional support with academic programs. Highlighting the need for trained administrators and effective assessments, Dr. VanTassel-Baska offers insights into enhancing gifted education programs a...
Apr 24, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode, Anurupa Ganguly, MIT-trained engineer and founder of Prisms, discusses revolutionizing STEM education through spatial learning in Virtual Reality. Ganguly's journey from observing high dropout rates among women in engineering to leading educational reform highlights the need for real-world problem-solving in classrooms. Prism aims to make math and science engaging and applicable, empowering students to tackle global challenges with creativity and empathy. A must-listen for those...
Apr 16, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Join host Michael Flusche in the first episode of season 5 recorded live at the TAGT Annual Conference, giftED23. Educator and consultant Andrew Sharos explores the transformative power of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for gifted students, emphasizing their dual benefits of college credit and college readiness. He contrasts AP with other pathways like dual enrollment and Career and Technical Education (CTE), advocating for AP's comprehensive preparation. Throughout the episode, Andrew stresses...
Apr 03, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Dr. Robin Greene, Ed.D and Dr. Michelle DuBois, Ed.D. join us on this week’s episode to discuss the state of gifted education in Colorado and its comparison to Texas. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, representation, and a sense of belonging for all students. Both Dr. Greene and Dr. DuBois share insights from their experiences, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in implementing culturally responsive and equitable practices. Tune in to gain practical kn...
Feb 09, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Join Mirinda Coleman and Tammy Krumm, G/T specialists from San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) on this week’s episode of the TAGT Podcast. Mirinda and Tammy share their experiences and insights on serving G/T students from diverse backgrounds and economically disadvantaged situations. They discuss their service models, which involve pull-out programs, individualized support, and addressing social-emotional needs of G/T students. This episode provides valuable information and practica...
Jan 24, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode of season 4, we get to hear from Dr. Elizabeth Severance, the Director of Advanced Academics at Austin ISD. Dr. Severance discusses the G/T programs and services offered in her district, including cluster grouping at the elementary level and advanced courses at the secondary level. She also highlights the importance of providing opportunities and support for students beyond high school. Overall, this episode explores strategies for improving identification, serving diverse studen...
Dec 18, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Hear from the retired executive director of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy, Dr. Kim Lansdowne, during this episode of the TAGT Podcast! Hear from her as she focuses on equitably identifying underrepresented populations in gifted education and inclusive programming. She also explores testing and measurement, highlighting the top five assessments used nationwide. Suggested Resources: Lessons in Chemistry ASU Profile kimberly.lansdowne@asu.edu This episode of the TAGT Podcast was sponsored by...
Dec 11, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Join host Michael Flusche in this week’s episode of the TAGT Podcast as he interviews Dr. Joyce Miller, an esteemed educator and program coordinator at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dr. Miller shares her journey in education, her research on gifted and talented students, and her involvement in various organizations. Gain valuable insights, advice, and practical strategies for supporting gifted students and enhancing education for all. Tune in for inspiration and expert guidance from a leade...
Nov 07, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Podcast, host Michael Flusche interviews Teresa Francis and Audra Rowell. Teresa Francis, the Advanced Academics Coordinator in Mansfield ISD, and Audra Rowell, the advanced academics coordinator in Northwest ISD, discuss their roles, responsibilities, and the challenges they face in providing support and services for gifted and talented students in their districts. They also touch upon the importance of enrichment and accelera...
Oct 05, 2023•49 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this week's TAGT Podcast episode, Celeste Sodergren, a soon-to-be doctor and research practitioner in G/T education, emphasizes the connection between research and educational practice. She explores topics like leadership development for coordinators, measuring growth in gifted programs, and the importance of clear skill standards. Celeste also discusses the value of partnering with universities and graduate students for research initiatives. Suggested Resources Celeste.Sodagrin1@Baylor.edu C...
Sep 20, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Beginning season 4 of the TAGT Podcast, get an inside look into the inner workings of TAGT as host Michael Flusche interviews the TAGT Executive Director, Paulina van Eeden Hill. Together they discuss TAGT's mission to connect and empower parents and educators to meet the unique needs of gifted individuals. Their conversation covers building a community, providing professional learning opportunities, and advocating for gifted students at the state level. They also explore the challenges in gifte...
Sep 07, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 1
How can adults connect with students facing emotional trauma and understand their needs in times of crisis? What can we do to help high-achieving students feel safe enough to be vulnerable and honest with adult educators? Join Emily Kircher-Morris, host of the Neurodiversity Podcast, for a live, guest-hosted podcast interview with Heather Lambert, a former G/T educator and counselor specializing in student trauma, and Martha and Chris Thomas, co-founders of The Defensive Line organization, which...
May 09, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Join Vicki Phelps on this week's podcast episode. Vicki is the Head of School for Quest Academy, a preK-8 grade gifted independent school in Palatine, IL, and she has over 20 years of experience in gifted education. Vicki is passionate about providing professional learning and consultation services to help districts improve their gifted practice. In this episode, she shares insights on twice-exceptional (2e) learners and why educators in gifted education need to be mindful of this important popu...
Apr 28, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this podcast episode, Thomas Hebert, a Professor of Gifted and Talented Education at the University of South Carolina, explores the complex task of addressing the social and emotional needs of gifted students. As educators face challenging issues like social unrest, economic uncertainty, and widespread feelings of hopelessness, Herbert shares his insights on how to support these students. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the social and emotional lives of gifted students. Learn More A...
Apr 24, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Many gifted students raised in poverty face memory development delays which can impact their ability to learn. This week on the TAGT Podcast, hear from a current graduate and undergraduate teacher of courses in educational psychology, child development, intelligence, and creativity, Joyce Juntune. Hear from Joyce as she helps to better articulate how memory works, how it’s developed, and some suggestions on strategies to help students of any age better develop their memory. Learn more about Joyc...
Mar 20, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Culturally responsive leaders and teachers who work with diverse student populations are an important part of any educational program. Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson, District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD shares her own professional journey as well as a few leadership strategies and resources aiding in implementing culturally responsive practices in gifted and advanced placement programs. Learn more about Javetta Jones-Roberson www.twitter.com...
Mar 10, 2023•46 min•Season 3Ep. 4
