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Parents, caregivers and many educators and mental health providers of gifted and talented children know these children have unique social and emotional needs. They have intense emotions that affect their social development. What supports are available to mentor parents as they raise these intense and quirky children? SENG Model Parent Groups. SENG is an international organization that is focused on Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG).
As a certified SENG Model Parent Group Facilitator, coupled with her education and own experience raising gifted children, Stephanie facilitates 8 week book studies with certified Health and Wellness Coach, Marissa Alva. These guided book studies are based on the book A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children by James T. Webb, Janet L. Gore, Edward Amend, and Arlene DeVries. During our weekly sessions parents are guided to explore and share insights and parenting techniques with one another. They develop a sense of community with one another and feel increased understanding and connectedness in their relationships with their gifted children.
SENG parent groups are available over Zoom. The course is 8 weeks in length. Each class meets for 60-75 minutes. Group size is 10-18 participants.
Are you a parent or caregiver? Contact GT Parent Mentor directly about registering for an upcoming 8-week course.
As a certified SENG Model Parent Group Facilitator, coupled with her education and own experience raising gifted children, Stephanie facilitates 8 week book studies with certified Health and Wellness Coach, Marissa Alva. These guided book studies are based on the book A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children by James T. Webb, Janet L. Gore, Edward Amend, and Arlene DeVries. During our weekly sessions parents are guided to explore and share insights and parenting techniques with one another. They develop a sense of community with one another and feel increased understanding and connectedness in their relationships with their gifted children.
SENG parent groups are available over Zoom. The course is 8 weeks in length. Each class meets for 60-75 minutes. Group size is 10-18 participants.
- Zoom Groups: These groups meet virtually and anyone in the country can attend, so invite your friends and family to attend together!
- Books are to be purchased online from any number of online vendors. Parenting partners in the same household may share a book, though often these parents benefit from each having their own book to mark up and study.
- If you choose to purchase through Amazon, we encourage you to purchase through Amazon Smile and choose SENG or the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented (AAGT) as your charity recipient.
Are you a parent or caregiver? Contact GT Parent Mentor directly about registering for an upcoming 8-week course.
What Parents are saying about our SENG Model Parent Groups
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Registration is now open for our next SENG Model Parent Group!
DATES: Tuesdays, August 30 - November 1, 2022. No classes will be held October 4 & 11 due to fall break schedules.
TIME: 6:30 pm, Arizona Standard Time. Classes will be 60-75 minutes in length
PLATFORM: Zoom
Each participants will need to provide:
DATES: Tuesdays, August 30 - November 1, 2022. No classes will be held October 4 & 11 due to fall break schedules.
TIME: 6:30 pm, Arizona Standard Time. Classes will be 60-75 minutes in length
PLATFORM: Zoom
Each participants will need to provide:
- The book A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children by James Webb, et. al., available from a variety of vendors
- A small notebook to record your thoughts & impressions.
- A pad of 3x3" sticky notes to record goals.
Pay for registration using one of the options below.
Registration fee for the 8- week SENG Parent Group is $95/participant. If you and your spouse/co-parenting partner will be attending and sharing a screen, the spouse/co-parenting partner has a discounted rate of $50.
Pay with PayPal , Venmo or Zelle
Registration fee for the 8- week SENG Parent Group is $95/participant. If you and your spouse/co-parenting partner will be attending and sharing a screen, the spouse/co-parenting partner has a discounted rate of $50.
Pay with PayPal , Venmo or Zelle
Use your Paypal app.
Use the Venmo app or scan the QR code above.
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Pay through Zelle: gtparentmentor@gmail.com
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Are you interested in a future session of a SENG Model Parent Group?
Then contact us at the button below to be informed of future class offerings.
Then contact us at the button below to be informed of future class offerings.
Who else may contact GT Parent Mentor about a SENG parent group?
- Are you an educator with a school or school district and would like to make this course available to the parents of your community? Contact us and we will work with you to bring this opportunity to your district.
- Are you a company and would like to make a parent education opportunity available to support the family life of your employees? Contact us and we will work with you.
- Are you a mental health professional and have clients who would benefit from this community of support? Contact us and we will provide registration information so that your clients can receive the supportive community they are looking for.
Workshop Pairings
Parent Workshops
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Advocacy. This can feel like an emotionally charged word. How do parents know when and how to appropriately advocate for their gifted child? Why would educators even want parents to learn the skills of effective advocacy? Effective advocacy is about the three R’s—Respect, Resilience and Relationships. Building respectful relationships between parent, teacher and administrator takes time and mindful effort. When these types of relationships are built, the struggling gifted student is better able to grow and thrive. This is a win for everyone involved. This is advocacy with grace.
Advocacy is also about learning how to identify a school or program that is a good educational fit for your gifted child. What questions need to be asked? Where can the answers to those questions be found? This type of research can feel daunting. When gifted children are not in a program that matches their learning differences, emotional and behavioral problems can arise, including perfectionism and underachievement. This workshop helps parents develop research and critical thinking skills.
Sometimes as parents we DON’T advocate for our gifted child because we think they’re doing “fine” and we don’t want to be labeled as “that parent.” Sometimes we DO try to advocate for our gifted child but don’t get very far because our inner “Mama Bear" or "Papa Bear” gets in the way. We may either decide not to cross, or even inadvertently burn, the very bridges we need in order to help our gifted child. If you have ever found yourself in either of these situations, then this workshop is for you. The "Graceful Advocate" is available if you are wanting to learn to advocate with grace.
The works of Dr. Jim Webb and Dr. Brené Brown will be the foundation of the workshop. In this workshop parents will learn to:
So, come join us. Learn how to put away the dynamite and build bridges with teachers and administrators. When parents and educators form a true partnership, your student is more likely to thrive.
Advocacy is also about learning how to identify a school or program that is a good educational fit for your gifted child. What questions need to be asked? Where can the answers to those questions be found? This type of research can feel daunting. When gifted children are not in a program that matches their learning differences, emotional and behavioral problems can arise, including perfectionism and underachievement. This workshop helps parents develop research and critical thinking skills.
Sometimes as parents we DON’T advocate for our gifted child because we think they’re doing “fine” and we don’t want to be labeled as “that parent.” Sometimes we DO try to advocate for our gifted child but don’t get very far because our inner “Mama Bear" or "Papa Bear” gets in the way. We may either decide not to cross, or even inadvertently burn, the very bridges we need in order to help our gifted child. If you have ever found yourself in either of these situations, then this workshop is for you. The "Graceful Advocate" is available if you are wanting to learn to advocate with grace.
The works of Dr. Jim Webb and Dr. Brené Brown will be the foundation of the workshop. In this workshop parents will learn to:
- Articulate the traits and learning needs of their gifted children
- Develop key research skills for determining a good educational program fit for your gifted child.
- Develop effective communication tools with their child’s teacher, school and district.
So, come join us. Learn how to put away the dynamite and build bridges with teachers and administrators. When parents and educators form a true partnership, your student is more likely to thrive.
Gifted 101 - A Parent's Perspective for Parents |
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This workshop is customizable to a parent or educator audience. The purpose of this workshop is to share a parent perspective of giftedness and how giftedness impacts a child's development and learning and how it impacts families.
Parents who are unfamiliar with the impacts giftedness has on the whole child, tend to focus just on academic achievement and the parents can experience frustration when other aspects of the child's life are not performing at a high level or if the gifted child is demonstrating underachievement. This presentation helps parents acquire the "gifted lens" so they can better see, appreciate and recognize resources to support their gifted child in their asynchronous development.
Topics covered in this presentation include, but are not limited to:
Parents who are unfamiliar with the impacts giftedness has on the whole child, tend to focus just on academic achievement and the parents can experience frustration when other aspects of the child's life are not performing at a high level or if the gifted child is demonstrating underachievement. This presentation helps parents acquire the "gifted lens" so they can better see, appreciate and recognize resources to support their gifted child in their asynchronous development.
Topics covered in this presentation include, but are not limited to:
- Asynchronous Development
- Overexcitabilities of Giftedness
- Myths of Gifted Education
- How to Talk About Giftedness
The Parent Workshops align with:
- The Arizona Gifted Grant Program Narrative for Parent and Community Outreach
- The NAGC programming standard 6.1.5. ... "to promote learning for students with gifts and talents and their families."
Educator Workshops
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This workshop was developed from a parent perspective and with the purpose of supporting educators as they negotiate the minefield of the intensities of gifted parents. Gifted children have their intensities and often the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! We'll use the work of Brené Brown and will lead the educators in an exercise to establish their own individual boundaries. Educators will see their understanding of parents increase. We'll help educators craft their individual story around their self-perceived role in the gifted education field. We'll explore ways teachers can guide parents of gifted students in building connections with fellow parents.
Topics covered in this workshop include, but are not limited to:
Topics covered in this workshop include, but are not limited to:
- The power of personal values in setting healthy boundaries
- Setting healthy boundaries to create sustainable work
- The intensities of giftedness
- The power of stories and connection
This Educator Workshop aligns with:
- The Arizona Gifted Grant Program Narrative for Professional Learning
- The NAGC programming standard 6.1.5. ... ""to promote learning for students with gifts and talents and their families."
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This presentation is especially beneficial for educators at school sites where there is a range of student ability taught on a single campus, including general education, special education and gifted education. The purpose of this workshop is to share a parent perspective of giftedness and how giftedness impacts a child's development and learning and how giftedness impacts families.
Educators who are unfamiliar with giftedness and its impacts on the whole child, may disagree with the concept of giftedness, claiming that it is elitist. This presentation addresses this myth in an open and candid discussion from a parent's perspective. The concept of giftedness is broken down and brought down to earth where it is relatable. Educators will leave this presentation with an understanding of the genuine needs of gifted learners and will be able to debunk the myth that gifted education is elitist.
Topics covered in this presentation include, but are not limited to:
Educators who are unfamiliar with giftedness and its impacts on the whole child, may disagree with the concept of giftedness, claiming that it is elitist. This presentation addresses this myth in an open and candid discussion from a parent's perspective. The concept of giftedness is broken down and brought down to earth where it is relatable. Educators will leave this presentation with an understanding of the genuine needs of gifted learners and will be able to debunk the myth that gifted education is elitist.
Topics covered in this presentation include, but are not limited to:
- Characteristics of Giftedness, including Asynchronous Development
- Overexcitabilities of Giftedness
- Myths of Gifted Education
- How to Talk About Giftedness
This Educator Workshop aligns with:
- The Arizona Gifted Grant Program Narrative for Professional Learning
- The NAGC programming standard 6.3.2. ... to "create inclusive learning environments that meet the educational interests, strengths, and needs of diverse students with gifts and talents."
Suggested Workshop Pairings
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By Audience:
Presenting these workshops as pairs in your school/community will build the foundational knowledge of giftedness and gifted education of your audience. Paradigms will continue to shift as concepts and skills are introduced to build respectful relationships between educators and parents. The purpose of which is to mentor those who are most influential in the developmental journey of the gifted child. |
By Topic:
Presenting these workshops as pairs in your school/district will provide the parents and educators of gifted students the opportunity to see through the other person's lens and to "meet in the middle" for productive conversations about the needs of gifted students. When educators and parents of the gifted are able to work together respectfully, teachers feel supported and are less likely to experience early burnout. Parents and families can experience the increased peace that comes from feeling understood. Students are better able to experience growth and thrive. |
Testimonials
"I have observed Mrs. Stephanie Newitt over the past eight years interacting with families and educators. Each and every time, she draws individuals in with her expertise and passion for gifted learners. I have been so impressed with her advocacy based around gifted education! She presents to parents on this subject in a way that inspires them to take action. A highlight has been her ability to teach parents about advocating for their children in a way that effectively builds bridges with educators.
She has such a talent when working with educators. She is knowledgeable, relatable, and very effective in communicating her message to a wide range of staff members. Her parent perspective has resonated with many and consistently impacts her presentations and conversations in positive ways. I have been so impressed with her skillset and ability to move educators forward in gifted education."
~Amber Larson-MacRobbie, Gifted Coordinator, Gilbert Public Schools
"Thank you so much for stepping in and helping our Gifted Education Parent Council! It has been invaluable for you to train our group on advocating and building bridges, teaching the Gifted 101, training the new school representatives, etc. Thank you for having and joining meetings with individuals at the district level. I feel like we are making progress."
~Kathy Thorpe, Executive Committee, Gifted Education Parent Council of Gilbert, Arizona
She has such a talent when working with educators. She is knowledgeable, relatable, and very effective in communicating her message to a wide range of staff members. Her parent perspective has resonated with many and consistently impacts her presentations and conversations in positive ways. I have been so impressed with her skillset and ability to move educators forward in gifted education."
~Amber Larson-MacRobbie, Gifted Coordinator, Gilbert Public Schools
"Thank you so much for stepping in and helping our Gifted Education Parent Council! It has been invaluable for you to train our group on advocating and building bridges, teaching the Gifted 101, training the new school representatives, etc. Thank you for having and joining meetings with individuals at the district level. I feel like we are making progress."
~Kathy Thorpe, Executive Committee, Gifted Education Parent Council of Gilbert, Arizona
Contact us today to bring these engaging workshops to your district.
Advocacy Coaching with Stephanie
Are you trying to determine what school or program will be a good fit for your child? Are you trying to figure out how to approach your child's teacher about differentiating the curriculum for your child's learning needs? What is a good approach? What questions are helpful to ask? There is no greater advocate for a child than his or her parent, but how do we become an effective advocate without becoming that parent? How do we discuss our child's learning needs without talking about our child using the "special snowflake" lens? Advocacy coaching sessions can help to increase your ability to effectively advocate with strength and grace. Contact us today for a free 15 minute consultation to determine your advocacy coaching needs.
Advocacy Coaching packages may include, but are not limited to:
Advocacy Coaching packages may include, but are not limited to:
- A scheduled number of virtual coaching sessions
- Learnings and goals for the parent
- Handouts and tip sheets to support your advocacy efforts
- School visits
Testimonials
“I was overwhelmed and unsure of how to help my gifted son get what he needs from school. Through the advocacy coaching experience, Stephanie helped me better understand his strengths and needs. She is a caring, invested listener and shared perspective and helpful resources. She helped me to better understand his test scores. She helped me find who to talk to and what to ask as I work to get him the support he needs, even in rural Nevada. She’s truly passionate and knowledgeable and desires to help as many parents and children as possible. Now I feel confident in the direction we are headed for my son’s educational plans.”
~April W., Fernley, NV
"I'm very grateful for your help, advice and insights you have shared with me. My family and I are indebted to you. I believe having you in our lives at that point and teaching me about giftedness and enjoying our son for all of his quirks has been a miracle for all of us. So, thank you for all you have done for me - and the many others you have helped on your path."
~Kathy T., Gilbert, AZ
"Stephanie has been a valuable resource for our family over the years. Her vast experience with giftedness has been a huge help as we have navigated decisions regarding our children’s education."
~Whitney W., Gilbert, AZ
~April W., Fernley, NV
"I'm very grateful for your help, advice and insights you have shared with me. My family and I are indebted to you. I believe having you in our lives at that point and teaching me about giftedness and enjoying our son for all of his quirks has been a miracle for all of us. So, thank you for all you have done for me - and the many others you have helped on your path."
~Kathy T., Gilbert, AZ
"Stephanie has been a valuable resource for our family over the years. Her vast experience with giftedness has been a huge help as we have navigated decisions regarding our children’s education."
~Whitney W., Gilbert, AZ
Photos used under Creative Commons from cattan2011, dcdc887, seejay323, ThoroughlyReviewed
