A GIFTED TEACHER'S REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

With Thanksgiving happening, I thought it would be fun to list the things that a teacher of gifted could be grateful for. Here it goes:

1. YOU HAVE A TEACHING JOB
We can be grateful that despite all the cutbacks to the arts, gifted education, and other areas over the years, many schools still employ at least one teacher of the gifted to provide services. It could be worse, I guess.

2. YOU GET TO WORK WITH SOME AMAZING KIDS
As a teacher of the gifted, you get to work with some very talented, very bright, very creative kiddos. No, they are not all well-behaved or perfect, but they can achieve some pretty amazing feats if given the proper guidance. It could be worse, I guess.

3. CREATIVITY
While gifted students are still mandated to take standardized tests and complete other requirements, gifted teachers can still find ways and time to bring creativity and innovation to their teachings, and hopefully are not tied down by as many restrictions that general education teachers often face. In other words, you may have a little more leeway, which in this day and age of education, is a special privilege. It could be worse, I guess.

4. POSITIVE IMPACT
As a teacher of gifted education, you are in a position to educate and inspire other teachers, who may need training and assistance in working with gifted and talented children. You can share gifted best practices, and if youre lucky, use those practices to help all children at your school. It could be worse for everyone, I guess.

5. TALENT SCOUT
You are in essence, a talent scout, searching, screening, and trying to identify children, who have great potential. It is up to you to work with parents and teachers to find these children and make sure they are getting the services they need. Youre in a position to spot potential that other people may not see and provide opportunities to a child that wouldnt have necessarily happened. It could be worse, I guess.

6. NEVER BORED
As a gifted teacher, you become immersed in a fascinating field, which studies intelligence, creativity, emotional and social issues, and other interesting topics. Whether you teach a self-contained class of gifted students, work within a general classroom, or instruct at a special academy, the field and the children will keep you challenged daily. You will not be bored with your job. It could be worse, I guess.

There you have it, teachers of the gifted, six reasons to be thankful in your profession. Thank you for all you do for the kids. Have a restful, wonderful Thanksgiving break.
Steve