Some Observations on Essential Qualifications of Teachers of the Mentally Superior

The Flapping Butterfly Wings of Gifted Mentorship: Ruth Richards and Saybrook University

“…Exceptional teachers of gifted students are also gifted. In several studies (Freehill, 1974;Hansford, 1985;Newland, 1962;Torrance and Myers, 1978), gifted teachers were found to be characterized by emotional security, positive sense of self, superior intelligence, curiosity, cognitive agility, openness, flexibility, strong communication skills, and a constant search for new experiences. Gifted teachers were also found to have a sense of mission, empathy, drive, rapport, enthusiasm, creativity, high expectations, frequent innovations, and respect for students (Dorhout, 1983;Ferrel, Kress, and Croft, 1988;Maddux, Samples-Lachmann, and Cumming, 1985;Renzulli, 1969;Wendel and Helser, 1989 Some of these actions were also included in Mullen's (2005) analysis of "alternative mentors" who "strive to make a profound difference in the development of students, colleagues, and others" and "mentor beyond the demands of their position, seeking to enhance the development and education of protégés outside the traditional supervisory or advisory context" (p. 37).…”

An Evaluation of the Competencies of Teachers of Gifted &Talented Students of Professional Practice Adopted By the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in Jordan

“…In addition to what was indicated in the study of Newland (1962) as he stressed on the importance of the availability of scientific intelligence of the gifted students as he identified it by the percentage of (120)for the teachers of gifted students in the elementary stage, and (130) for the teachers of high school (secondary stage)on Wechsler scale for adults intelligence in the verbal part. Amois,&Shalkee (1983) [1] in their study the desired competences in teaching the gifted students in Britain.…”

“…In continuation of developing and expanding such services, the ministry established other leading centers in the different areas of Jordan. The number of these centers reached (17) at the beginning of the school year 2007-2008.…”

Myths and Realities of the Gifted and Talented

“…Gifted Students Should f 1'11 c' Gifted Teachers* REALITY: C o u n t l e s s lists of characteristics have been generated that are considered ideal, required or necessary to be a successful teacher of the Gifted (Newland, 1962;Gallagher, 1975). Not one of these suggests that the teacher should be gifted.…”

“…What are the qualities that school boards should be seeking when screening perspective applicants for s u c h positions? Commonly mentioned qualities are having a burning curiosity, being a voracious reader, having a strong and resiliant self-concept, having a good sense of humor and yes, being intellectually alive (Newland, 1962;Rce, 1970;Martinson, 1974).…”