Building the leaders of tomorrow begins by knowing how the brain, the arts, and social connection are intertwined in a unique symphony of creative development. Join us for an interactive 90-minute session that will teach you the newest methodologies, backed by neuroscience, to develop creativity, brain health, and other essential life skills for our leaders who are leading in ambiguous times.

$30 members/$40 nonmembers

June is Pride Month, and this year in particular it's going to be an especially important moment for the LGBTQ+ and Ally community. Gifted LGBTQ+ young people in particular are susceptible to the seemingly endless news stream of shifting policies, laws, and national attitudes challenging LGBTQ+ rights and identity. However, Pride Month is a reminder that joy can overcome despair and be a powerful instrument for resistance! Join the NAGC LGBTQ+ Network as we highlight and celebrate the joyful things educators, families, and young people can do to keep spirits up and help enact positive change.

Gifted learners often have the cognitive capacity to move quickly, but their emotional readiness is far more variable—and far more influential—than most acceleration models acknowledge. This session reframes acceleration through a whole-child lens, emphasizing that emotional safety, validation, and connection are not “extras” but prerequisites for healthy academic challenge. Educators will explore how asynchronous development, perfectionism, sensitivity, and executive functioning gaps shape a student’s readiness to take on advanced work. Through case studies, practical strategies, and neuroscience-informed insights, participants will learn how to identify when a student is capable but not yet prepared, and how to bridge that gap with relational practices that build trust, resilience, and self-efficacy. The session equips teachers with tools to: Recognize emotional barriers that masquerade as avoidance, underachievement, or “lack of motivation” Use validation and co-regulation to help students feel safe enough to take academic risks Scaffold executive functioning and self-advocacy skills that support accelerated learning Communicate with families about pacing, readiness, and the child’s emotional landscape Create classroom environments where gifted and twice-exceptional students can stretch without shutting down Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how emotional readiness and academic acceleration work together—and how meeting a child’s emotional needs first leads to deeper engagement, healthier risk-taking, and more sustainable growth.

Is it time to reconsider the term gifted? For decades, this label has shaped research, policy, and programming in gifted education, yet it remains one of the field’s most debated concepts. In this engaging session, leading scholars will examine whether the term continues to serve the field effectively or if new language is needed to better reflect talent development, equity, and emerging research. Participants will explore multiple perspectives on the strengths and limitations of the term and consider how language influences identification practices, services, and public understanding of advanced learners. Through live virtual Q&A, attendees will contribute to the discussion, evaluate the most persuasive arguments, and reflect on what terminology may best guide the future of gifted education.

The LEAP Online Modules for Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted and High-Potential Students are a series of five 6-hour, self-paced modules that use the LEAP framework as the foundation. These modules will give you a practical understanding of how you can infuse the interests and cultures of your students to better inform your instruction for your high-ability students. These modules cover the following topics:

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Contexts of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2026 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

The LEAP Online Modules for Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted and High-Potential Students are a series of five 6-hour, self-paced modules that use the LEAP framework as the foundation. These modules will give you a practical understanding of how you can infuse the interests and cultures of your students to better inform your instruction for your high-ability students. These modules cover the following topics:

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Contexts of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2026 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Modules

Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
Module 2: Histories and Context of American Education
Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Kristina Henry Collins, Donna Y. Ford, Joy Lawson-Davis, Ghouldy Muhammad, Amber Neal-Stanley, Javetta Jones Roberson, & Rhina F. Williams

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Module reviewers: Jodi Briggs, Cory Chung, Julie Delgado, Melissa Edmonds, Alejandra A. Fernández Morgado, C. Matthew Fugate, Talbot Hook, Katie Lewis, Angela Novak, Teresa Mapson Reddish, and Rosa Varela. 

The LEAP Online Modules for Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted and High-Potential Students are a series of five 6-hour, self-paced modules that use the LEAP framework as the foundation. These modules will give you a practical understanding of how you can infuse the interests and cultures of your students to better inform your instruction for your high-ability students. These modules cover the following topics:

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Contexts of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2026 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Modules

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Context of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Kristina Henry Collins, Donna Y. Ford, Joy Lawson-Davis, Ghouldy Muhammad, Amber Neal-Stanley, Javetta Jones Roberson, & Rhina F. Williams

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Module reviewers: Jodi Briggs, Cory Chung, Julie Delgado, Melissa Edmonds, Alejandra A. Fernández Morgado, C. Matthew Fugate, Talbot Hook, Katie Lewis, Angela Novak, Teresa Mapson Reddish, and Rosa Varela. 

The LEAP Online Modules for Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted and High-Potential Students are a series of five 6-hour, self-paced modules that use the LEAP framework as the foundation. These modules will give you a practical understanding of how you can infuse the interests and cultures of your students to better inform your instruction for your high-ability students. These modules cover the following topics:

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Contexts of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2026 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Modules

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Context of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: 

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Module reviewers: Jodi Briggs, Cory Chung, Julie Delgado, Melissa Edmonds, Alejandra A. Fernández Morgado, C. Matthew Fugate, Talbot Hook, Katie Lewis, Angela Novak, Teresa Mapson Reddish, and Rosa Varela. 

The LEAP Online Modules for Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted and High-Potential Students are a series of five 6-hour, self-paced modules that use the LEAP framework as the foundation. These modules will give you a practical understanding of how you can infuse the interests and cultures of your students to better inform your instruction for your high-ability students. These modules cover the following topics:

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Contexts of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2026 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Modules

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Context of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Kristina Henry Collins, Donna Y. Ford, Joy Lawson-Davis, Ghouldy Muhammad, Amber Neal-Stanley, Javetta Jones Roberson, & Rhina F. Williams

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Module reviewers: Jodi Briggs, Cory Chung, Julie Delgado, Melissa Edmonds, Alejandra A. Fernández Morgado, C. Matthew Fugate, Talbot Hook, Katie Lewis, Angela Novak, Teresa Mapson Reddish, and Rosa Varela. 

The LEAP Online Modules for Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted and High-Potential Students are a series of five 6-hour, self-paced modules that use the LEAP framework as the foundation. These modules will give you a practical understanding of how you can infuse the interests and cultures of your students to better inform your instruction for your high-ability students. These modules cover the following topics:

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Context of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2026 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Modules

• Module 1: Self-Reflection, Social Awareness, and Instructional Excellence
• Module 2: Histories and Context of American Education
• Module 3: Pedagogical Paradigms 
• Module 4: Gifted Pedagogies and Philosophies 
• Module 5: Culture in My Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Kristina Henry Collins, Donna Y. Ford, Joy Lawson-Davis, Ghouldy Muhammad, Amber Neal-Stanley, Javetta Jones Roberson, & Rhina F. Williams

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Culturally Responsive Teaching Module reviewers: Jodi Briggs, Cory Chung, Julie Delgado, Melissa Edmonds, Alejandra A. Fernández Morgado, C. Matthew Fugate, Talbot Hook, Katie Lewis, Angela Novak, Teresa Mapson Reddish, and Rosa Varela.