Lisa Van Gemert - Gifted Guru

I've taught 3rd grade and all grades in high school (ELA and; Social Studies). I've been the Youth and Education Ambassador for Mensa, and am a professional development facilitator, and an international speaker on issues of gifted education. I also have a great time writing award-winning lesson plans, consulting for television shows, and writing for the Library of Congress, as well as magazine articles. I share resources for educators and parents on my website giftedguru.com.

My teaching style emphasizes engagement and quality activities. I love using music and action to bring content alive and take it deep. Build a river down the middle of the room? Check. Create Gatsby's house out of sugar cubes? You bet. Use lyrics to teach literary elements? Of course! Dance the times tables? Sure. I specialize in the Depth and Complexity framework, so you'll see loads of resources for that! I'm a GT person, and I think it stands for Good Teaching as much as Gifted and Talented. I share resources that work for all students, because good teaching is good teaching.

- Christa McAuliffe Teacher Hall of Fame - APEX Grand Award for lesson plans

I've got two degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington - a B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from the Honors College, and an M.Ed.T. with English as my content area. I've also done the administration grad work for when I thought being an administrator was a good fit for me!

I'm married to an Aussie software engineer, and we have three sons. I love to read and organize and dance and create stuff for teachers (no lie - it's a hobby!). I'm a genealogist, and I love my Golden Retriever, Brody. I stay busy with family and church and playing with teacher friends.