The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) Podcast

What happens when students are given the opportunity to lead?Guest host Celeste Södergren, Ph.D., sits down with Jayden Graham, MIT aerospace engineering student and founder of PHLIPS, to explore how student-led STEM programs can expand educational opportunities and develop leadership skills.Jayden shares how he started a STEM camp at age 14 to help younger students access opportunities they might otherwise miss, and how that idea has grown into a program where high school students design and lead STEM experiences in their communities. They discuss the importance of teacher support, giving students room to take ownership, and helping young people build real-world skills through hands-on experience.Learn more about PHLIPS and its student-led STEM programs.

Are gifted characteristics checklists helping schools identify students—or reinforcing outdated assumptions about giftedness?Guest host Celeste Södergren, Ph.D., sits down with Matthew Makel, Ph.D., of the University of Calgary to explore the research behind gifted identification practices and what schools should consider when making decisions about G/T services. They discuss the limitations of characteristics checklists, the importance of aligning identification with program goals, and how open science can make research more accessible and useful for educators.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about using evidence to improve gifted education and create meaningful learning opportunities for students.ResourcesMaking a List Requires Checking it Twice: A Call for Empirical Evidence in Characteristics ListsGifted characteristics lists: Big claims, little evidence

What if student behavior is communication and educators have more influence than we think?In this season finale of the TAGT Podcast, recorded live at giftED25, Aric Bostick shares how understanding attachment can change the way we respond to students and support long-term growth. From hallway interactions to classroom culture, this conversation focuses on practical ways to build trust, create consistency, and strengthen relationships that support learning.Special guest interviewer Andi McNair brings a unique lens to the conversation, connecting big ideas to real practice.You’ll walk away with clear reminders about why connection matters, how small actions shape student experiences, and how educators can play a role in changing a student’s trajectory.Suggested Resources:www.aricbostickleadership.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Marli Williams, leadership trainer and speaker, for a conversation on what it means to lead with intention in today’s educational landscape.Together, we explore how energy, purpose, and reflection shape effective leadership, especially in gifted education roles that often feel complex and isolating. Marli shares practical ways to build confidence, stay grounded in your impact, and reconnect with why your work matters.Whether you’re leading a program, a classroom, or a team, this conversation offers space to reflect and a few ideas you can put into practice right away.Suggested Resources:www.marliwilliams.commarli@marliwilliams.comwww.podcast.marliwilliams.comwww.instagram.com/marliwilliams

What happens when giftedness and disability coexist?Dr. Susan Baum joins the TAGT Podcast to discuss the needs of twice-exceptional learners and why strength-based environments are essential. Drawing from decades of research and practice, she shares how talent development opportunities, creative entry points, and supportive classroom environments can transform outcomes for 2e students.An encouraging and practical conversation for educators who want to better serve complex learners.Suggested ResourcesBridges Graduate SchoolBridges AcademyTo Be Gifted and Learning DisabledEnrichment Triad ModelMultiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice

Gifted services look different in every district, but are they delivering the outcomes students need?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Kettler to talk about “high dose” gifted education and why increasing both time and intensity can change student outcomes. From acceleration to grouping to enrichment, we break down what works, and what often gets in the way.You’ll also hear a candid conversation about advocacy, program design, and how gifted education can better align with the goals districts already care about.Suggested Resources:Baylor University Staff PageTodd Kettler's Email

What happens when intellectual curiosity turns into a lifelong mission?David Madden, co-founder of International Academic Competitions and 19-time Jeopardy champion, joins the TAGT Podcast to share how academic quiz competitions build confidence, community, and deep knowledge. From his own journey in quiz bowl to launching international competitions serving tens of thousands of students, David reflects on the power of challenge, belonging, and passion-driven learning.A compelling conversation about gifted learners, academic identity, and why finding “your people” matters.Suggested ResourcesInternational Academic Competitions (IAC)David's Email

How do we serve students who are years beyond grade level—and experiencing the world differently because of it?In this episode, Blake Haygood shares his journey from math teacher to advanced academics leader, along with personal insights as the parent of a profoundly gifted child. The conversation covers acceleration, cluster grouping, SEL for gifted learners, and the importance of strong professional networks.An honest and practical look at what it takes to support profoundly gifted students well.Suggested ResourcesPG RetreatAustin ISD – Advanced AcademicsNew Braunfels ISDEducation Service Center Region 13Education Service Center Region 20Blake's Email