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2.3.8 Teachers Matter
Regardless of identification and the provisions recommended for or delivered to gifted learners, their ultimate success is frequently dictated by the competency, awareness, understanding, and skill of the educator. Teachers matter. But what is the best kind of teacher to put in front of gifted children? What is necessary for maximum effectiveness? This presentation will explore the experiences of an educator who has employed more than 30 gifted teachers over the past decade. It will offer a guide for those looking to employ teachers of the gifted.
Author(s):
Deb Walker
deborah.walker@nzcge.co.nz
New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education
New Zealand
Deb Walker is a specialist educator with many years’ experience teaching and supporting gifted learners. She is currently the CEO of the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education (NZCGE). Deb is also part of a consortium who combine to deliver Gifted Awareness Week in New Zealand, the Project Leader for the Gifted Aotearoa educators Network of Expertise, a member of the New Zealand Ministry’s ‘Guardians of the Education Conversation’ group, the Gifted Advisory Group, and a New Zealand World Gifted and Talented Council delegate. Deb is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of gifted learners.