Concurrent 45 min

Future Gifted Teachers Assemble! K12-University Partnership for Educator Preparation

Saturday, November 15, 2025

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM ET

Location: Convention Center, 306/307

Grade Level: Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Postsecondary

LM

Liz Mendoza, MA, NBCT (she/her/hers)

Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator
Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
DJ Graham, M.Ed. (he/him/his)

Head of School
Gary K. Herberger Young Scholars Academy
Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Short Description: How can we ensure all educators are prepared to support gifted learners? This session showcases an innovative university-school collaboration where pre-service teachers engage in hands-on gifted education experiences. Through immersive classroom observations and guided discussions, they gain real-world insights. Walk away with practical strategies to replicate this model and inspire the next generation of educators!

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify practical strategies to integrate pre-service teachers into gifted classrooms.
Attendees will gain ways to advocate and explain the benefits of specialized pre-service teacher experiences
Attendees will be able to explain the need for effective universal educator preparation in gifted education and analyze a successful model in practice.