iNNovate 2026 NNPS

This professional development session is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of special populations within the classroom, with a focus on gifted and advanced learners, English Language Learners (ELL) and twice-exceptional (2e) students. Participants will explore the unique cognitive, academic, and social-emotional characteristics that often lead to under identification or misidentification of these learners. Through interactive discussion and case-based scenarios, educators will examine how giftedness can manifest differently in ELL and 2e students, including the impact of language acquisition, cultural differences, and coexisting disabilities. The session will highlight common social-emotional needs such as perfectionism, frustration, masking, and identity development. Educators will leave with practical, research-based strategies to support these learners, including differentiation techniques, culturally responsive practices, strength-based approaches, and targeted supports during instruction.

This session is intended for K-12 Administrators, Teachers, and Counselors.