Early Childhood
Concurrent
Lauri Kirsch
Supervisor, K-12 Gifted Programs
Hillsborough County Public Schools
In the words of Kenny Ausubel, “Each of us has a spark of life inside and our greatest endeavor is to light the spark in one another." As gifted educators, our mission is to identify potentially gifted children and provide research-supported programming that inspires and prepares students to use their talents, strengths, and energy to make the world a better place. Nationwide, low identification rates and gaps in representation exist at elementary schools with the highest poverty rates. Attend this session to learn about Project SPARK, a research-supported, Title 1-funded K-3 initiative in a large urban school district, and leave with ideas and resources for improving identification efforts in your K-3 classrooms!
Supervisor, K-12 Gifted Programs
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Lauri Kirsch is the Supervisor of Gifted Programs for Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida), the nation's eighth largest school district. In 1994, Dr. Kirsch discovered her passion: gifted education. Since that time, her involvement in gifted education has been through a multitude of roles, allowing her to learn and lead from a variety of perspectives. As an educator since 1981, her experiences have included gifted teacher, curriculum developer, teacher trainer, doctoral student, conference presenter, researcher, administrator, and gifted advocate. Through these experiences, Dr. Kirsch has found that leadership is the critical element for success in any organization, from the classroom, to a school district, to a state affiliate group. Lauri served two terms as NAGC's State Board Representative and served as NAGC Treasurer from 2012-2014. She is a past President of the Florida Association for the Gifted and currently serves on the Board of the Florida Gifted Network. Lauri was recognized by NAGC as the recipient of the 2014 NAGC Coordinator Award. As the parent of two grown gifted daughters, she has navigated the unchartered waters that are integral to parenting the gifted. Kirsch says her goal is to share a common sense message that may inspire and guide others in supporting the children who will be the leaders in our world’s future.
A Research-Based Approach for Promoting Imagination, Creativity, and Innovation
Friday, November 10
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Saturday, November 11
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
District Gifted Coordinators: Leadership to Shine a Light on Gifted Children in Your District!
Saturday, November 11
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
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