Equity Before Identification: Nurturing Young Talent in Rural Classrooms
Participants will explore how nurturing potential in the primary grades can promote equitable access to advanced learning. This session shares practical ways to recognize early signs of talent, design inclusive experiences, and support diverse strengths before formal gifted identification—ensuring all students have opportunities to grow and thrive.
Kayla Dickerson
Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia
Kayla Dickerson is a gifted resource teacher in Montgomery County, Virginia. She supports K–5 students through enrichment, talent development, and inquiry-based learning experiences. Passionate about equity in early education, Kayla designs engaging opportunities that uncover potential in all learners and shares practical, classroom-friendly strategies to inspire other educators.
D'ann Dickerson
Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia
D’Ann Dickerson serves as a gifted resource teacher in Montgomery County, Virginia, supporting K–5 students through critical thinking, inquiry, and social-emotional learning. She believes that nurturing the whole child, academically and emotionally, unlocks creativity and confidence in every learner.