Based on Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry

Many learners possess abilities and skills that do not fit into the traditional education system. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, disengagement, and apathy in the classroom. However, by allowing gifted learners to pursue their passions, interests, and purpose, they can become more self-aware, make important decisions, and develop critical life skills like creativity.

In this learning experience, you will discover the "6 Ps of Genius Hour" framework, a  process that enables passion-based learning in the classroom. We'll explore the six steps of the framework - passion, plan, pitch, project, product, and presentation - and how they work together to empower today's learners.

Based on Designing for Depth in the Classroom: A Purposeful Framework for Differentiation

Are you tired of seeing your gifted learners disengaged and frustrated with busywork? In this immersive learning experience, you'll discover how to create meaningful experiences that engage and empower gifted learners. Using the "Engage, Experience, Empower, Evidence, and Extension/Extra Support" framework, you'll learn how to design differentiated learning experiences that inspire investment, cultivate lifelong learning, and encourage authentic connections beyond the classroom walls.

You'll also gain insights into the importance of integrating life-ready and social-emotional learning skills into your lessons and take away practical ideas that can be implemented immediately. By the end of the experience, you'll have a new perspective on differentiation and a deeper understanding of how crucial it is to plan for all learners, not just those who struggle to understand. Join us to take the first step towards creating a classroom environment that supports and empowers gifted learners!

Gifted learners have a different ETA (estimated time of arrival) than their peers. They tend to 'get there' faster and may take a different route than many of their classmates. But, unfortunately, in the classroom, we often expect all learners to arrive at the same destination at the same time.

It's like using a map to navigate when we really need a GPS. Maps can be helpful, but they don't give us real-time data and information to help us navigate in the most efficient and effective way possible. Similarly, in education, we often rely on a 'map mindset' that expects all learners to follow the same path, regardless of their unique needs and abilities.

But what if we adopted a GPS mindset instead? A mindset that recognizes and respects the different routes that gifted learners might take to reach their destination?  As educators, we need to intentionally plan for those gifted learners who need a different route to reach a deeper understanding.

During our time together, I will guide you through practical ways to create meaningful and respectful learning experiences for gifted learners. We will explore how to provide extensions that help them make connections and reach a deeper understanding. By the end of our journey, you'll be ready to put away the maps and reroute learning in your classroom in a way that meets the needs of every learner, including the gifted.

Gifted learners have a different ETA (estimated time of arrival) than their peers. They tend to 'get there' faster and may take a different route than many of their classmates. But, unfortunately, in the classroom, we often expect all learners to arrive at the same destination at the same time.

It's like using a map to navigate when we really need a GPS. Maps can be helpful, but they don't give us real-time data and information to help us navigate in the most efficient and effective way possible. Similarly, in education, we often rely on a 'map mindset' that expects all learners to follow the same path, regardless of their unique needs and abilities.

But what if we adopted a GPS mindset instead? A mindset that recognizes and respects the different routes that gifted learners might take to reach their destination? Carol Ann Tomlinson's work reminds us of the importance of respectful differentiation in the classroom. And, as educators, we need to intentionally plan for those gifted learners who need a different route to reach a deeper understanding.

During our time together, I will guide you through practical ways to create meaningful and respectful learning experiences for gifted learners. We will explore how to provide extensions that help them make connections and reach a deeper understanding. By the end of our journey, you'll be ready to put away the maps and reroute learning in your classroom in a way that meets the needs of every learner, including the gifted."

This workshop is designed to provide educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to help gifted learners develop their full potential through productive struggle. The workshop will cover the concept of productive struggle, its importance in promoting academic growth, and ways to create a supportive classroom environment that fosters learning through challenge and exploration.

Participants will learn about the unique characteristics of gifted learners, including their tendency to become disengaged when presented with material that is too easy, and the importance of providing them with appropriate challenges. The workshop will also address common misconceptions about giftedness and strategies to avoid underestimating or overestimating students' abilities.

The workshop will feature a range of practical tools and techniques that educators can use to encourage productive struggle, including differentiated instruction, problem-based learning, and growth mindset strategies. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and practice applying these techniques to their own teaching contexts.

By the end of the workshop, educators will have a deeper understanding of the potential of productive struggle to support gifted learners, as well as the knowledge and tools to apply these strategies in their own classrooms. They will leave the workshop with a toolkit of practical resources and strategies that they can immediately implement to support the growth and development of their gifted students.

Based on A Meaningful Mess: A Teacher's Guide to Student-Driven Classrooms, Authentic Learning, Student Empowerment, and Keeping It All Together Without Losing Your Mind

Learning can be messy, but it can also be deeply meaningful when it's driven by students and authentic experiences. In this learning experience, you'll discover practical ways to engage and empower today's learners through hands-on and relevant learning opportunities.

Throughout our time together, I'll share how I shifted from traditional methods to an innovative approach that prioritized student-centered learning. You'll learn about the challenges and benefits of this approach and gain valuable insights into designing meaningful learning experiences.

By the end of this workshop, you'll be inspired and equipped to create learning experiences that truly resonate with your students. You'll have a new understanding of who today's learners are and what they need from the classroom experience. Don't miss this opportunity to empower your students and transform your teaching practice.

If we aspire for educators to create engaging and valuable learning opportunities for their students, it's essential that we utilize the same approach towards professional learning.

Educators should have ownership in their professional development.

Passion-Powered PL is a professional learning journey that allows educators to take ownership of their own professional development by pursuing an area of interest, passion, or expertise that will support the campus or district mission and vision. This approach encourages teachers to be creative, curious, and innovative, while learning new skills and gaining knowledge that they can bring back to their classrooms. This type of learning is designed to:

Increase Teacher Motivation

Encourage Creative Problem-Solving

Cultivate a Collaborative Culture

Increase Teacher Autonomy

Enhance Teacher Efficacy

Passion-Powered PD can be delivered as a 6 hour learning experience to explore, discover, and learn about a specific topic like gifted education, differentiation, or SEL in the classroom.

It can also be introduced to educators as a year-long journey in which educators work on independent passion projects throughout the school year to support the mission and vision of the campus or district.

To learn more, please visit: andimcnair.com/passionpoweredPD.

Gifted children have unique needs that often require special attention and support. As a parent, it can be challenging to understand what giftedness is, what it isn't, and how to best partner with schools to serve them well.

In this workshop, we'll explore the characteristics of gifted children, the myths and misconceptions surrounding giftedness, and practical strategies for nurturing their growth and development. We'll also delve into the concept of productive struggle and why it's essential for gifted learners to experience it.

By understanding the concept of productive struggle, parents can help their gifted children to develop a growth mindset and become more resilient in the face of challenges. We'll discuss how to foster a healthy relationship with failure and how to help your child develop the skills they need to navigate difficulties and setbacks.

Finally, we'll talk about how to effectively communicate with schools to advocate for your child's needs and collaborate in their education. You'll leave with a better understanding of how to support your child's strengths and challenges, and how to work together with schools to create an environment that fosters their intellectual and emotional growth.

Are you looking for ways to engage your gifted child and cultivate their passion for learning? Do you want to find meaningful ways to bond as a family while making a positive impact in your community?  "Family Passion Projects" is a workshop that will show you how to use the 6 Ps of Genius Hour framework to work on passion projects together.

During this workshop, you'll learn how to implement the Genius Hour framework at home, including how to identify your child's passions and interests, plan and pitch  project ideas, develop the project, and present the work. You'll also discover how this approach can help your child practice life-ready skills and experience productive struggle in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We'll explore how passion projects can benefit the community and how to make a positive impact through your family's work. You'll leave with practical ideas for how to create meaningful learning experiences at home, strengthen your family bond, and encourage your gifted child to pursue their interests and make a difference in the world.

This workshop will give you the ideas, tools and strategies that you need to learn how to inspire your gifted child to reach their full potential through passion-driven learning and service to others

Gifted student learners often want to better understand their unique abilities and how they can use them to reach your full potential. They sometimes  struggle with self-doubt or feel like you don't fit in with your peers.  "Gifted and Growing" is a workshop designed specifically for gifted learners. 

During this workshop, gifted learners will gain a deeper understanding of what giftedness is and isn't, as well as how it can impact their learning and life experiences. Throughout our time together, we will explore topics like self-awareness, resilience, and growth mindset, and learn how to utilize these skills to embrace their giftedness and become a more confident, capable learner.

In addition, we'll address the importance of productive struggle in the learning process, and provide them with tools and strategies for managing the challenges that come with being a gifted learner. We'll explore ways to set realistic goals, work through setbacks, and build resilience in the face of academic and personal challenges.

Through hands-on activities and discussions, gifted learners will have the opportunity to connect with other gifted learners and share their experiences and perspectives. By the end of this workshop, they will have a better understanding of themselves as gifted learners, as well as the tools and skills you need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

In this exciting and engaging learning experience for gifted learners, we will explore the power of identifying passions and purpose. Together, we will dive into strategies for identifying interests, developing goals, and finding purpose in their lives. We'll also discuss the importance of making a positive impact on the world around us.

Through hands-on activities and group discussions, learners will gain the skills and confidence needed to identify their passions and purpose. They'll discover how to take their unique strengths and use them to make a difference in the world.

By the end of the workshop, learners will be equipped with the 6 Ps of Genius Hour framework (passion, plan, pitch, project, product, presentation) to help them start their own passion project. This project will allow them to put their new skills and knowledge into practice and make a meaningful impact in their community.

*This workshop can also be delivered to youth groups, homeschool groups,  organizations outside of education, and is not exclusive for gifted learners.

As an experienced educational coach/consultant, I am passionate about helping educators create learning environments that meet the unique needs of gifted learners. Through my coaching and consulting services, I will work with you to develop strategies and best practices that will enable you to effectively serve and challenge your gifted students.

In our coaching sessions, we will discuss and explore the latest research and theories on gifted education and how they apply to your specific teaching context. We will explore a variety of evidence-based practices and methods for identifying gifted learners, differentiating instruction, and supporting their social and emotional needs.

Together, we will develop a personalized plan that leverages your strengths as an educator and integrates effective practices for serving gifted learners. This might include developing challenging and rigorous curriculum, creating opportunities for acceleration and enrichment, and implementing strategies for promoting creativity and innovation.

Throughout our coaching and consulting engagement, my goal is to provide you with the guidance, support, and resources you need to create a learning environment that fully supports the growth and development of your gifted students. Together, we will help them achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.