Sharing the Love: How to Bring Gen Ed Teachers on Board

Gifted education thrives when all teachers work together. Yet, collaboration between gifted and general education teachers doesn’t always come easily. General ed teachers may not have the training, time, or support to differentiate effectively, and gifted specialists often feel like they’re working in isolation. But when we bridge that gap, students benefit, teachers feel more supported, and everyone wins.

With Valentine’s Day as a perfect reminder to share appreciation, now is the time to build stronger connections with your colleagues. Here’s how to bring general education teachers on board—without overwhelming them.

Understanding the Barriers

If collaboration has felt like an uphill battle, it’s not personal. Many general education teachers face:

• Lack of training – Many aren’t taught how to differentiate for gifted students.

• Time constraints – With large class sizes and competing priorities, differentiation feels like “one more thing.”

• Misconceptions – Some believe gifted students don’t need additional support.

Recognizing these challenges helps us approach collaboration with empathy and practical solutions.

Simple Ways to Foster Collaboration

Instead of asking teachers to take on more, help them work smarter with gifted students by:

• Starting conversations – Share the “why” behind gifted differentiation and find common ground.

• Providing quick-win strategies – Offer simple, low-prep differentiation tips they can implement right away.

• Co-planning or co-teaching – Even a short brainstorming session can help integrate enrichment opportunities.

• Making resources accessible – Share ready-to-use materials that require minimal extra effort.

Small Gestures That Go a Long Way

Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest impact. Try:

💌 Sending a thank-you note for their support of gifted students.

📌 Dropping a useful strategy or resource in their mailbox.

🍎 Offering a “lunch & learn” session with quick differentiation ideas.

👏 Acknowledging their efforts in meetings or newsletters.

Collaboration doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent small steps build lasting relationships.

Gifted education isn’t a solo mission—it’s a team effort. By sharing the love, offering support, and celebrating small wins, we can bring general ed teachers on board in a way that benefits everyone.

Now it’s your turn! What’s one way you’ve successfully collaborated with a general education teacher? Drop your ideas in the comments!