Gifted Ain't Easy!

This school year I am teaching 28 third grade gifted students in a GATE Inclusion class. Many people would assume that my job is a "piece of cake". What a dream job to work with so many smart and inquisitive youngsters.... or, not! They question EVERYTHING, insist on being heard, need to be right at all costs, and want to do things their way! Kind of like herding cats. At the end of each busy day, I imagine what it must be like to be in a beehive!

In reading The Autobiography of Steve Jobs, it's interesting to note how difficult he was with his parents, his 3rd grade teacher, his employees, and pretty much everyone. Being "gifted" does not mean that individual is anything less than intense, strong minded, difficult, and incredibly interesting and full of unlimited potential. These same traits that are not easy for others to embrace are the same ones that drive those gifted individuals to aspire to unique and great accomplishments.