Creative Tutors of Cypress-Fairbanks

Who is Gifted and Talented?

My oldest daughter struggled her first years of school because her social and emotional skills were not on the same level as her intellect. Though her teachers were amazed by her ability and intelligence, her maturity created many issues and made me ask the question, "What happens when a gifted student does not fit the normal "gifted mold"?"

Follow up:

What happens to a child who learns differently and wants to question what is being taught? In my time at the University of Houston with , Dr. Olenchak I was introduced to many different models of education that I had not heard of before. I was impressed with de Bono’s CoRT and Renzulli’s Schoolwide Enrichment Model and began to use them with my daughter.

The book, The Big Box, by Toni Morrison expresses what I feel happens in most classrooms today. The story is about three children who are told “they can’t handle their freedom.” The children tell the adults, "If freedom is handled just your way, it's not my freedom or free." I believe what has happened in the educational system is caused by the pressure to perform, which has taken away some of the children’s freedom to be themselves. However, an innovative teacher can have students in their class perform well on tests and help students reach their full potential. Though uniformity and curriculum are good; one general program will still hinder some students from excelling because the teacher will always need to create on the spot.

Like my daughter, some children are just out of the box thinkers. We as parents must cultivate their greatness by helping them restructure the box that has been placed around them. If our children are to achieve greatness, we must help them excel by building on their strengths, and helping them explore and think, by providing support and resources that will lead to further development.

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Meet Johnny & Quinita Ogletree | Owners

Johnny grew up in Houston and there after receiving his graduate degree. He has spent time working with and serving families and children for over nine years, as a mentor, family therapist, and substitute teacher. Johnny earned a B.S. in Political Science and Master of Divinity at Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology. He has spent most of his time working in the community as a role model and mentor and has worked as the Pastor of Community Life for over five years. Currently working as Teen Pastor there, Johnny has a heart for children and enjoys seeing them excel and reach their full potential.

Quinita attended Virginia Union University under a Presidential Scholar Award and obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Master of Divinity from the Samuel D. Proctor School of Theology. She has recently completed work on her second Masters degree from University of Houston in Educational Psychology, and is now enrolled at Texas A & M in pursuit of her Doctorate. Quinita hails from a family of educators who have served the public for over 30 years. Quinita has worked in the field of education for over eight years, as an Assistant Director of Preschool and Christian Academy; teacher at a NAEYC accredited school, tutor, and nanny. She is a life-long learner, who is interested in seeing children enjoy excelling academically while pursing scholarly endeavors. She is passionate about equipping children with educational skills that will transform their lives and prepare them for a rewarding career. Her job requires her to develop and implement an after-school program and supervise a staff and deal directly with parents and student of all ages.