Speaking

…also guest lecturing, writing, and professional development….

“The feedback on your session was very strong. I’m glad you were able to present such critical information.”

–Wendy Behrens, MN Department of Education

Since 2011, I have been invited to speak at conferences and conventions, and serve as an expert panel member, for organizations all over the country. I’ve also served as a guest lecturer for university courses and educator professional development. My passions are sharing information and insights related to gifted youth who are members of gender/sexual minorities, as well as providing tools for teens—and the adults who care about them—that strengthen their self-advocacy skills.

Organizations

  • American Mensa, Ltd.
  • Hormel Foundation Gifted and Talented Symposium
  • MN Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT)
  • MN Department of Education
  • MN Educators of the Gifted and Talented
  • Montgomery County Schools, Maryland
  • National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
  • Rochester Public Schools, Minnesota
  • SENG
  • Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented
  • University of Houston
“I am thrilled to share my enthusiastic endorsement for Teresa Manzella, an outstanding advocate and educator for gifted LGBTQ+ students. Teresa delivered a powerful and insightful presentation to our adult learners.

Teresa’s ability to blend personal experience with expert knowledge created an empathetic atmosphere. Her discussion on the intersectionality of being both gifted and LGBTQ+ was enlightening, providing valuable perspectives that many had not considered before. The way Teresa articulated the challenges and strengths of gifted LGBTQ+ individuals was both moving and informative, offering practical strategies for educators.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. The educators appreciated the practical tools and insights they could immediately implement in their classrooms, including resources to access independently. They also appreciated the overview of how our larger system could better support our gifted LGBTQ+ youth.

In summary, Teresa is an exceptional speaker whose passion for advocating for gifted LGBTQ+ individuals shines through in every aspect of her work. I wholeheartedly recommend Teresa Manzella for any speaking engagement or workshop focused on diversity, inclusion, and the unique needs of gifted LGBTQ+ students.”

Sarah Finch Jackson, 2e Instructional Specialist
Montgomery County Schools, Maryland

Sample presentation topics

  • Save the Date: Leveraging the LGBTQ+ Calendar of Events to Build Visibility in Your Classroom
  • Supporting Gifted-LGBTQ+ Youth
  • See Me: Increasing Two-way Visibility of Gifted-LGBTQ+ Students to Support Academic Success
  • Illumination through Integration: Moving Beyond Tolerance in Educating Gifted LGBTQ+ Students (and Their Classmates)
  • Allies in Education: How Educators Can Spark Engagement in Under-served Populations of Gifted Youth
  • Supporting the Unique Needs of Students who are Gifted and LGBTQ+
  • Embracing Difference: Constructing Positive Gifted/LGBTQ+ Identities
  • Gap Years: Time Off is Not Time Wasted
  • Legitimate Identities: Gifted-LGBTQ+ Youth and Accelerated Self-Awareness
Deborah Ruf, PhD, High Intelligence SpecialistDeborah Ruf, PhD, High Intelligence Specialist:
“Teresa has been a trusted resource for my client families, someone whose work and knowledge of how to support the development of highly intelligent children is unparalleled.”

Articles and book chapters

Editors and publishers of newsletters and books have also invited me to write for their publications, both on broad topics related to gifted youth and on topics specific to gifted/LGBTQ+ youth.

Whether you are a college/university professor seeking to expose your students to specialized expertise, part of a teachers’ organization that is planning a professional development workshop, a member of a parent group that would like a presentation for a meeting, or an organization focused on youth development, I can help you. Please Contact me.

Speaking fees will vary, depending on the event, travel involved, and length of presentation/workshop desired. Writing fees are negotiated based on the project.

Comments are closed.