I taught IG(Intellectually Gifted) Enrichment to grades 2-8
students for 21 years. I have a masters in gifted education.

I was very fortunate to work with an administration and
faculty and staff that supported gifted education. I loved
my kids and my job, most of the time.

Some things that worked for me:

Be a team player.

Ask for suggestions and ideas. Classroom teachers often
passed on great materials to me, saying that these might be
good for my class, but not for their whole classes.

Stay out of the teacher lounge as much as possible.

Try to stay out of any dramas.

When in ANY doubt, run projects by the powers that be. They
don't like surprises.

I loved it when my kids could come up with improvements on
my ideas. It never bothered me that I might be teaching
some students with a higher IQ than me. I had more life
experience and a broader range of knowledge.

I will always be grateful for the class that taught me the
basics of chess. I loved it when a student could teach me
and other students new things.

I always told a new class that if I made a mistake to please
let me know in a kind(respectful) way. I always thanked
them politely when they did so. No "Got'cha" moments for me.

This makes it "easier" to correct their mistakes.

My kids and I had mutual respect for each other, but they
always knew who was in charge. That would be me.

Everybody and every situation is unique.
These are just some suggestions of things that worked for me.

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