Teachers as Talent Scouts:  Finding & Developing Students’ Talents

Talent Development Academy project held summer professional development for the newest TDA, Minnie Hughes Elementary, on July 25 and 26, 2016.  Dr. Frances Welch, Dean, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance, College of Charleston, and Ms. Mary Runyon, Associate Superintendent of Learning Services, Charleston County Schools, welcomed teachers and Principal Bridget Berry to TDA.  Over the two days, Dr. Julie Dingle Swanson talked with teachers, providing a big picture overview of the Talent Development Academy Project.  Dr. Lara Kessler facilitated a discussion by a Teacher Panel of Talent Scouts, Gregory Taylor, Tiffany Shepard, Graylon Nell, Emma Armstrong, and Marie Sanders.  These Cohort One TDA teachers talked about their experiences in their first year of TDA (2015-16).  They shared learning how to recognize talent in students.  Some spoke about shifting how they teach, giving over more of the responsibility for learning to their students, not being the “sole giver of knowledge,”  and how that shift allowed them to see increased student curiosity and engagement.  On July 26, we had Conversations on Cultural Competency with teachers Karen Pickering, Tonya McIntyre, and Jennifer Waldron.  These teacher leaders shared their perspectives on what we can do to promote a more inclusive learning environment for all.

Teachers chat during break.

Dr. Anne Gutshall spoke to teachers on both days, starting with Neuroscience for Teachers on July 25 and addressing Motivating students to reach their potential on July 26.

Anne Gutshalll shares her expertise.

Each afternoon was spent with Teachers in Residence Lara Kessler and Lindsey Blackmon leading content strand sessions in English/Language Arts and Mathematics,  exploring with Minnie Hughes teachers how to use inquiry-based, conceptual teaching.  Teachers left ready to try out new instructional strategies and motivational approaches.  Resources from these sessions found under RESOURCE tab.

On the Road to Talent Development:  Building on What We Know About Developing Students’ Talents

After a warm welcome by Associate Superintendent Mary Runyon on July 27 and 28, 2016, Angel Oak and Springfield Elementary school faculties worked on deepening their skills and knowledge of how to spot and develop talent in their students.  Keynote speakers Dr. Anne Gutshall (Praise, Reward and Classroom Management in the Context of Talent Development) and Dr. Meta Van Sickle (A Thinking Model for Teachers Using Talent Development Processes) challenged teachers to build on their own understandings, apply new ideas, and continue their professional growth.

Teachers ponder thought provoking ideas shared by speakers.

Each afternoon, teachers attended content break out sessions  to extend what they learned to date.  Content experts Karen Reed, Heather Grant, Lara Kessler, Lindsey Blackmon, Denise Zacherl, and Meta Van Sickle led those sessions.  Teachers at these schools will be fully implementing TDA curriculum this year. Resources from these sessions found under RESOURCE tab.

Teachers take note of  recommendations on praise and motivation.