The Gifted PLaCe
About The Gifted PLaCe
Connecting Research, Educators, and Practice to Advance Understanding of Neurodiverse Learners
The Gifted PLaCe was created to bring together researchers, educators, and practitioners to explore current research, emerging ideas, and meaningful practices that support neurodiverse learners. Drawing on her experience as an educator, researcher, and scholar-practitioner, Dr. Aziz brings together conversations with leaders in the field to explore topics related to gifted and advanced learners, twice- and thrice-exceptional students, curriculum and instruction, educator development, and the evolving landscape of education. The Gifted PLaCe aims to bridge research and practice by creating opportunities for educators to engage with new perspectives, reflect on their work, and consider approaches that support the academic, social, and emotional development of learners with diverse strengths, abilities, and ways of experiencing the world.
About Dr. Sonu Aziz
Dr. Sonu Aziz is an educator, researcher, and scholar-practitioner whose work bridges gifted education, curriculum development, educator preparation, and educational research.
As Head of Academic Affairs at Long Island School for the Gifted, Dr. Aziz supports curriculum development, faculty learning, and instructional practices across grades K–8. Her work focuses on creating responsive learning environments that challenge and support learners while helping educators develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Dr. Aziz holds a Certificate in Advanced Gifted Education, and her scholarly interests center on gifted learners, including twice- and thrice-exceptional students, and the ways educational systems can better recognize and develop diverse expressions of ability. Through her doctoral research in Leadership & Innovation at New York University, which examined teacher perceptions of twice-exceptional students and received the Distinguished Problem of Practice Award, Dr. Aziz explores how research can inform practices that strengthen identification, instruction, and support for neurodiverse learners. Her engagement with the field extends beyond her research and school-based work through her service on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee for the National Association for Gifted Children and her contributions to GiftedNYS.
Her work is grounded in a commitment to connecting research with practice and helping educators create learning environments where students feel challenged, supported, and valued. In recognition of her contributions to gifted education, Dr. Aziz received the Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit Student Award for Gifted Education in 2026.
Through The Gifted PLaCe, Dr. Aziz continues to create opportunities for educators and researchers to engage in thoughtful conversations that deepen understanding of neurodiverse learners and translate research into meaningful educational practice. Her work reflects a commitment to helping educators recognize student potential, develop responsive approaches, and create learning environments where students’ strengths and pathways for growth are understood and supported.
Episodes
13 episodes
Talking with Gifted and Distractible Author- Julie Skolnick
Author and creator of WithUnderstandingComesCalm.com, Julie Skolnick shares insights from her book, Gifted and Distractible. Join us as we explore the traits of twice-exceptional children and discuss strategies to better understand gifted that ...
Long Island School for the Gifted-The Gifted Student's Perspective
In this episode - three students share personal experiences on being gifted, the standards they aspire to, and how a gifted education helped shape them.This episode is particularly dear to me- I hope to provide insight from a s...
Talking with Dr. Matthew Fugate about ADHD and ADHG
Dr. Matthew Fugate, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education discusses the connection between creativity and ADHD defining it through a unique lens that focuses on the positive aspects.&n...
Gifted in New York- Talking with Dr. Elissa Brown from GiftedNYS
In this episode, Dr. Elissa Brown from Gifted NYS sheds light on public policy advocacy around gifted education in New York, how it compares to other states in the country, and what steps are needed to set a mandate.
Talking with the Gifted Guru- Lisa Van Gemert
Author, blogger, and advocate for gifted education, Lisa Van Gemert is the Gifted Guru. Lisa shares her experience and expertise on being gifted, raising gifted children, and classroom strategies for reducing anxiety and empowering neurodiverse...
Understanding the Whole 2e Child with Dr. Susan Baum
Dr. Susan Baum, a pioneer in 2e education and Director of The 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy dispels common myths around 2e and shares the advantages of using a strength-based learning model in gifted edu...
Talking with Allison Teicher Fahrbach: A Soul-Centered Education Reformer
NYC educator and author of Peace with a Purpose, Allison Teicher Fahrbach, shares advice and anecdotes from the classroom to help students and fellow educators find inner peace, build resilience, and be their own heroes.
Exploring Neuroscience With Dr. Nicole Tetreault
Author of Inside a Bright Mind: A Neuroscientist's Personal Stories of Unique Thinking, Dr. Nicole Tetreault discusses the effects of brain wiring and neuroplasticity on neurodiverse minds.
Emotional Intensity with Dr. Matt Zakreski
Dr. Matt Zakreski discusses emotional intensity and strategies parents and educators can use to help gifted children navigate through emotionally intense responses.
C is for Curiosity with Dr. Lin Lim
Dr. Lin Lim, founding board member of the Texas-based non-profit, Gifted Education Family Network (GEFN), talks about the inspiration behind her book and the strengths and struggles of raising a gifted child.
2e with Harri James O'Kelley
In this episode, director and storyteller, Harri James O'Kelley talks about her award-winning independent documentary O'Kelley Legends: 2e Behind the Scenes and her 2e son who inspired the movie.