Rick and Jen Tuten

Reignite Their Spark: Challenge in the Age of Ease

In a world optimized for smooth sailing, gifted learners may be missing something essential: the challenge of navigating open water. In this thought-provoking session, fellow gifted educators and parents Rick and Jen Tuten make the case that today’s age of ease may be dimming the spark of gifted youth and offer practical strategies for rekindling curiosity and purpose through productive struggle, creativity, and authentic, hands-on experiences.

Rick and Jen Tuten are gifted educators, parents, and lifelong learners with more than 40 years of combined experience. Jen is an education thought leader specializing in gifted and twice-exceptional learners, AI, and neurodiversity. Rick is an award-winning STEM educator known for experiential learning, innovation, and inspiring disengaged adolescents.