Karnes Center Hosts Annual Day of Sharing for Teachers
Thu, 09/29/2022 - 09:05am | By: Karelia Pitts
The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies hosted its annual Day of Sharing for Teachers on Saturday, Sept. 10 in the Center for Faculty Development at The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM).
Teachers of gifted students from 28 different schools across the state gathered to hear speakers from the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), USM School of Education, World Class Teaching Program at USM and the Karnes Center.
鈥淚t was so wonderful to host our Day of Sharing in person again this year,鈥� said Dr. Heather Houston, director of the Karnes Center. 鈥淲hat started in 1982 as an opportunity for teachers of gifted students to come together to exchange ideas and gain inspiration has grown into one of our favorite events annually. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we connected through a virtual format. There鈥檚 just something special about the creativity and energy that flows when we鈥檙e together in the same room though, so it was good to be back!鈥�
Teachers earned continuing education units for attending. The sessions covered a variety of topics relevant to gifted educators, including service learning, collaboration and leadership strategies, National Board Certification, teacher effectiveness and gifted regulations.
鈥淭he Day of Sharing is a great opportunity for gifted teachers to collaborate with their colleagues to enhance their toolbox in developing metacognitive skills of intellectually gifted and talented youth,鈥� said Mat Sheriff, MDE's state gifted coordinator.
MDE鈥檚 gifted support specialist, Lorie Sisk, also presented to the group on creative ideas for meeting gifted outcomes.
鈥淚t was so great to see teachers enjoying making new connections with each other, along with the presenters and staff in attendance,鈥� Sisk said. 鈥淒ays like that fill me with excitement knowing we were able to invigorate educators who serve the gifted children of Mississippi!鈥�
The Karnes Center was established in 1979 through the efforts of Dr. Frances A. Karnes to bring the educational needs of gifted students in Mississippi to the forefront of educational policy development through advocacy, research and provision of services for high-ability students. Hosting the annual Day of Sharing remains central to the Center鈥檚 mission by providing teachers of gifted students with access to the most advanced teaching methods and an exclusive community of educators with shared goals, experiences and challenges.
鈥淪ometimes I feel isolated being the only teacher of the gifted on my campus, so it was amazing to feel connected to a community,鈥� said Patrick Quinnelly of the Lamar County School District.
Plans are already underway to ensure next year鈥檚 event provides teachers of gifted students with new information and inspiration to take back to their classrooms. For more information about the Karnes Center and their upcoming events, visit .