SoulSpark Learning

Let SoulSpark Learning fund the 2026 project of your dreams!

BrighT.ED. applications are DUE TODAY and only take 5-10 minutes to complete.

To apply for a $500 BrighT.ED. Award====>
https://forms.gle/hAxnazJJeCebXavp7
Examples of past projects include a Zen Room Student Sanctuary, critical thinking skills games, leadership and service projects, social and emotional learning curriculum, and more.

To donate to fund future awards====>
http://bit.ly/4rgio8N
Neurodivergent gifted youth can be as cognitively and neurologically unique as other neurodivergent student populations, but do not have the same legal protections or funding. This is why the BrighT.ED. Awards are so needed!

Please consider SoulSpark Learning on Giving Tuesday and help us earn a possible end of year match up to $2,000.

SoulSpark Learning helps educators develop the skills needed to facilitate individualized and meaningful whole child instruction.

An anti-intellectual and anti-education climate is a threat to all, but especially to highly curious youth for whom learning is like breathing, essential to life. Now more than ever we need to align instructional practices with human development and learning science research.

To donate ====>
http://bit.ly/4rgio8N

BONUS! Everyone who donates on Giving Tuesday will receive an e-copy of three doodle pages to print designed by equity firebrand Pam Ryan (Stay Curious, Protect Courage & With Wonder Everything is Possible).

An anti-intellectual and anti-education climate is a threat to all, but especially to highly curious neurodivergent gifted youth for whom learning is like breathing, essential to life.

SoulSpark Learning invests in educators creating positive change for historically excluded students. A BrighT.ED. award can help fund that project you have been dreaming of!

To apply for a $500 BrighT.ED. Award====>
https://forms.gle/hAxnazJJeCebXavp7
Examples of past projects include a Zen Room Student Sanctuary, critical thinking skills games, leadership and service projects, social and emotional learning curriculum, and more.

To donate to fund future awards====>
http://bit.ly/4rgio8N
Neurodivergent gifted youth can be as cognitively and neurologically unique as other neurodivergent student populations, but do not have the same legal protections or funding. This is why the BrighT.ED. Awards are so needed.

Denying gifted students the services and programming they need to sustain their learning, growth and well-being is the OPPOSITE of EQUITY. New York Mayoral candidate Mamdani's proposal would result in psychological injuries to children with long lasting negative health consequences.

Mamdani's perspective is not evidence-informed. When gifted services and programs are eliminated, inequities increase. Wealthy families will still be able to purchase the services their children need. Not only will other gifted children be left behind, but many will also have additional health care bills as a result of the educational neglect.

https://apple.news/AU_-7EwBwS0iaDHiTArtmGQ

For more on the topic of gifted equity and preventing psychological injuries to gifted children, join SoulSpark Learning at the Oregon Association of Gifted and Talented (OATAG) conference next Saturday 10/11, at the Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT) conference on 10/21, at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in Salt Lake City in March, or pick up a copy of "Critical Issues in Servicing Twice Exceptional Students: Socially, Emotionally, and Culturally Framing Learning Exceptionalities" (Springer, 2022).

To support advocacy efforts, here is a link to a one page document that includes talking points to promote neurodiversity affirming practices for gifted and twice-exceptional youth, inclusive of frequent microaggressions gifted youth report experiencing.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P3BH430HOnEsJTBPELHwIHny76lgkEcQMyenkbEpae8/edit?usp=sharing

Opinion | Holding back gifted students in the name of equity — The Washington Post Zohran Mamdani treads on dangerous ground by putting equity ahead of educational opportunity.

Effective advocacy deepens understanding of your child's unique strengths and needs, strengthens relationships and results in improved care and support.

In recent years, a growing industry of professional educational advocates has emerged. While professional advocacy can be valuable, and many families benefit from knowledgeable support, it’s crucial to know both the potential benefits and risks before investing in these services.

What to Know Before Hiring a Professional Educational Advocate - SoulSpark Learning As parents of neurodivergent youth we want nothing more than to ensure our children receive the support, understanding, and opportunities they deserve in school. When challenges arise—whether it’s with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or ALP (Advanced Learning Plan) that doesn’t seem qui...

SoulSpark Learning's Dr. Kate Bachtel is presenting at NAGC’s Teacher Summit on 2/26. It’s virtual so everyone can join. Now more than ever we need equity firebrands to champion neurodivergent/gifted/multi-exceptional youth - we would love to see you there!

To register ===> https://nagc.org/page/summit25

Join us Monday, 2/10 at 5pm at T/aco in Boulder!
Enjoy a FREE drink and chips and salsa as we connect and collaborate.

Now more than ever educators need to unite to support the well-being of students in our care, especially youth whose identity and safety is threatened in the current political climate. We would love to learn more about you and what you need to flourish in 2025.

Please RSVP as seating is limited. ===>
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soulspark-learning-educator-meet-up-tickets-1231615207239?aff=oddtdtcreator

Shine On Bright Ones!

What expertise can we share today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

At SoulSpark Learning, parents often reach out requesting recommendations for educational testing and advocates. We created this quick look with questions to consider to support informed decision making. ===> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HqnbXFkHEt-wC0Ux2rhzTn_Nx5iHPPMMajXrUMr5MAo/edit?usp=sharing



(quote updated for gender neutrality)

Instruction informed by the leading edge human development and learning science research is where SoulSpark Learning shines!

For more than a decade we have been supporting educators in developing the skills needed to facilitate individualized and meaningful whole child instruction. We teach educators how to teach children rather than how to deliver curriculum.

We prioritize educator care and well-being. This year we offered four FREE educator community care events. As student regulation and behavioral needs increase and there are risks of decreases in funding, SoulSpark Learning's work becomes that much more critical.

Please consider investing in youth and educators today on Colorado Gives Day! The first $1,000 in donations today will be matched in thanks to an anonymous donor. Can you help us meet our goal of 25 donations today?

For Financial Donations, Visit ===> https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Xzb51f

For Equally Cherished Donations of Time, Expertise and Other Resources, Visit ====> https://forms.gle/CqVQDnrFkJL1dNJr5

Make a Difference in the Lives of Youth and Educators!
SoulSpark Learning depends on the generosity of our community to support programming and services including: free and low cost exemplary professional learning, instructional resources, support groups and awards to fund innovation in the classroom.
Can you help us reach our goal of engaging 25 donors today?
TO GIVE:
===> Recurring donations through our Colorado Gives Day campaign will be matched!!!
https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Xzb51f
===> Of your time, expertise or resources
https://forms.gle/BtpUU7EY2zT21NR1A
===> Directly to SoulSpark Learning (free of fees)
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=A6D4ZFLEGDZZ4&source=url&ssrt=1733236089145