Broadcast on May 13, 2023
Navigating the World as a Gifted Student of Color… The Journey within School and Society
Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey and Sun-Siret Betancourt
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Description
Identified gifted students of color face a myriad of issues that may adversely affect their social emotional needs. Being gifted can be a blessing as well as a burden. When you are the only student of color in your gifted class and a controversial topic comes up, how do you advocate for yourself, race, etc.? Exploring William Cross’ Nigresence theory and other Theorists will empower students to appropriately advocate for themselves. How does a student of color navigate the world of gifted land when their culture clashes with school academic culture? What strategies and resources should the students use? What strategies should the parent implement to help their gifted student? What tools should parents and students possess to adequately navigate the gifted? This session will help parents and students understand the culture of school and how to navigate this world successfully as gifted students of color.
About the presenters
Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey Ed.D., is a coordinator in the Department of Teaching and Learning in the Office of Gifted Programs in Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). The programs and services Dorn coordinates focus on underrepresented populations, leverages innovative technology, and provides extensive professional learning opportunities. In her 23 years as an educator, McCorey has worked as a coordinator, gifted specialist, gifted resource teacher, and gifted teacher in Virginia. In 2006, she was selected as a Frasier Scholar for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and awarded the NAGC Coordinator of the Year in 2020. Dorn serves the gifted community in several capacities. In 2021, she co-facilitated the NAGC Convention Task Force alongside Dr. Shelagh Gallagher. In 2022, she became a member of the NAGC Leadership Committee and the NAGC Equity Symposium Planning Committee. Currently, she serves as an officer in several organizations: the Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAGifted) President, VAGifted conference chair, Virginia Advisory Committee for the Education of the Gifted (VACEG) secretary, and Project E-Ignite Board. Additionally, she is a Supporting Emotional Needs for the Gifted (SENG) Model Parent Gifted (SMPG) facilitator. Most recently, she has been awarded the 2022 VA Gifted Leader of the Year. She earned her doctorate at Virginia Tech University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Sun-Siret Betancourt is a native of the Bronx, New York. In 1999, he graduated from City College Of New York with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. In 2017 she earned a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Regent University. As a career educator, she taught in Yonkers, Bronx, NY, and Virginia Beach, VA. She has over 24 years of teaching experience, including 13 years of Gifted Education, seven years as a Spanish language immersion program teacher, and four years as an elementary school teacher in New York. She holds a Postgraduate Professional License granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia. She received an endorsement in Gifted Education. Sun-Siret’s awards include the 2020-2021 Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) Outstanding Teacher of the Gifted /Gifted Teacher of the Year. Recognized by the VBCPS Division for the “Great Dreams Need Great Teachers” in 2018. Nominated for VA Gifted Teacher of the Year in 2017. New Castle E.S. Teacher of the Year Award in 2016. The recipient of the “Tagged by the Superintendent” in 2015 and 2006. Received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 2013 and the “I Make A Difference” Award in 2013 and 2011. Nominated for the Disney Teacher Award in 2001. She has presented in the NAGC and completed various training certifications with the University of Connecticut and the Professional Summer Institute at The College of William and Mary.