NANCY COLEMAN
EDUCATION
CONSULTATION
I have been an educator for over thirty years. A classroom teacher at both the elementary and middle school levels, I have also acted as a mentor teacher for new teachers, gifted resource teacher, differentiation specialist, and curriculum specialist. After many years of balancing teaching responsibilities with providing professional development in the area of gifted education part time, I recently retired from classroom teaching to devote more time and energy to what I am most passionate about—helping teachers, administrators and parents better meet the special needs of gifted children. I have a master’s degree in gifted education and am certified in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) in California. I reside in Silicon Valley.
I’d like to improve the gifted and talented program at our school.
Fantastic! The goal is to create a continuum of services that meet students, parents, and staff just where they need support, and it should be part of the whole school or district’s initiatives, not just the work of a small committee known only to a few. While program improvement is often a multi-year process, often there are some positive practices and program elements already in place at any school that just need to examined, improved, expanded, and publicized. I enjoy being part of that process!
How can I tell if my child is gifted?
Parents are a treasure trove of incredibly valuable information about their child’s abilities and talents, and they are often the first adults to notice a child may be progressing at a rate that differs from the average. The National Association for Gifted Children has helpful resources for learning about the characteristics of gifted children and for finding out about assessment and identification. Quantitative scores, such as intelligence tests, achievement tests, and grades, along with portfolios, rating scales, and teacher observations may all be used to determine eligibility.
I’m a parent and I have some questions about gifted programs.
The first step is to be well informed on what your school offers. Your child’s school should publish its process for identification and support of gifted learners; contact the school office if you cannot find it on the website. Identification criteria and programs vary significantly from district to district and state to state. I’d be happy to consult with you on your questions. Contact me by using the menu item at the top of this page.
What do educational consultants like Nancy Coleman do?
I see my work in this way:
As an instructional coach for classroom teachers who are seeking to improve their understanding of the needs of gifted students and increase the resources and strategies available to them.
As an advisor for administrators who are examining their continuum of educational services, particularly in response to changes brought by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
As a support to parents, teachers, and school personnel as they plan how best to respond to the needs of individual students.
Nancy Coleman’s Specialties
Professional development workshops in gifted education:
Identifying the gifted, high achieving, and creative students in your population
Understanding the social and emotional characteristics of gifted children
Differentiating curriculum to provide greater rigor
Instructional coaching for classroom teachers:
Evaluation and development of gifted programming
Advising and supporting parents of gifted students
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