Embedded Files
Goals of Hillcrest's Gifted Program
" You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." ~ Clay P. Bedford
The goals for the program are to encourage higher level thinking skills, enhance creativity, promote positive attitudes towards self and others, and to broaden students' learning experiences.
The realization of these goals can be attained by incorporating the following program characteristics:
emphasis on higher level thought process,
the use of problem solving as a vehicle,
integration of concept development into activities,
development of self-evaluation skills,
development of skills in locating and using resources for research,
emphasis on student’s responsibility for his/her own learning,
emphasis on exposure to thinking skill processes in both affective and cognitive domains
Methodology in order to meet the individual needs of the students the objectives in developing curriculum are:
1) nurture the children’s natural curiosity and adapt to their interests
2) to keep children involved and responsible for their learning
3) to design activities that are multi-disciplinary and take into account various learning style.
What Students Will Experience in Gifted Support
What Students Will Experience in Gifted Support
Gifted Support is designed to extend learning beyond the general classroom by providing opportunities for deeper thinking, creativity, and exploration. Students will engage in inquiry-based learning that encourages questioning, problem-solving, and meaningful discussion.
Instruction focuses on depth and complexity, flexible grouping, and purposeful differentiation to challenge students while honoring their individual strengths, interests, and learning styles. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, think creatively, and develop confidence as learners.
Gifted Support also emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and student voice, helping learners grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
🌟 Helpful Resources for Students 🌟
Being a gifted learner means you might think deeply, feel strongly, and ask lots of interesting questions—and that’s a great thing! The links below are here to help you understand yourself as a learner and give you tools for when learning feels challenging.
🔍 Learning About Being Gifted
Learn what it means to be a gifted learner and why thinking differently is a strength.
👉 https://www.hoagiesgifted.org/hoagies_kids.htm
🚀 Growth Mindset & Perseverance
Build confidence, take healthy risks, and keep going when learning feels hard.
👉 https://friendzy.co/resources/growth-mindset-activity
🧠✨ Brain-Building Games & Activities
Fun, interactive websites that help kids strengthen thinking skills, memory, focus, problem-solving, and creativity — all through play!
National Geographic Kids – Games – Brain teasers and science-based games that boost curiosity and critical thinking
👉 https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games
PBS Kids Games – Age-appropriate games that support memory, attention, and social-emotional skills
👉 https://pbskids.org/games
Funbrain – Reading, math, and thinking games designed to strengthen academic and cognitive skills
These resources are here to support you, encourage reflection, and remind you that growth happens when you challenge yourself.
(Please explore these resources with a trusted adult.)
About me
I am honored to serve as a Gifted Support Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School and to be part of the Council Rock School District—a community grounded in collaboration, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to student growth.
This year marks my 28th year in education, a milestone that reflects both experience and a deep passion for teaching. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bloomsburg University and a Master of Education with a concentration in Special Education from Holy Family University. My continued post-master’s work has focused on gifted education, support for struggling learners, and the design of differentiated curriculum that meets students where they are while helping them grow.
My philosophy of teaching centers on the belief that gifted learners need more than advanced content—they need understanding, flexibility, and opportunities to think deeply and creatively. I believe gifted education should foster depth, complexity, and creativity while honoring individual learning profiles, interests, and pacing. Nurturing curiosity, encouraging intellectual risk-taking, and valuing student voice and choice are central to my approach, as they empower learners to take ownership of their thinking and engage meaningfully with content.
I am deeply committed to honoring the social and emotional needs that often accompany giftedness. Gifted students thrive when they are challenged appropriately, supported thoughtfully, and given space to explore their interests in purposeful and authentic ways. Through flexible grouping, purposeful differentiation, and inquiry-based learning, I strive to create learning experiences that balance challenge with support and promote both academic growth and emotional well-being.
I am certified in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Middle Level Education, and I have taught across a wide range of grade levels—from first through sixth grade, middle school, and now gifted education. These experiences have shaped my role as both educator and advocate.
As a Gifted Support Teacher, I aim to create a learning environment where students feel safe to take intellectual risks, ask meaningful questions, and engage in complex thinking. I am passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, develop confidence and resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
Mrs. Jennifer Todd
Gifted Support Teacher
Hillcrest Elementary School
Council Rock School District
Council Rock is committed to ensuring that all digital content is accessible to every user.
If you experience difficulty accessing any content or need assistance, please contact us at access@crsd.org.
Page updated
Report abuse