Hi! My name is Lonnie McKenzie. I am excited to be the Gifted & Talented Facilitator at Global Village this year. I have over 7 years of experience teaching gifted and high ability learners. My educational background includes a B.A. in Middle Childhood Education from Colorado University, and a M.A. in Special Education: Gifted & Talented Specialist from Northern Colorado University. My teaching endorsements include Elementary Education (K-6), Science Education (7-12) and Gifted & Talented Specialist (P-12).
I come to Global Village with a deep understanding of the unique academic and affective needs of gifted children, and I am passionate about supporting these students, their families and their teachers.
One of my passions is identifying and advocating for gifted children that are often overlooked because they may have other special learning needs, such as a learning disability, high anxiety, or being an English Language Learner. Another passion of mine is creating inquiry based, multidisciplinary units of study in collaboration with students. My dream is to someday publish curriculum that supports classroom teachers differentiating for all types of learners.
I love spending time with my husband and five children, enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. We enjoy exploring state parks, hiking and kayaking. I love to read science fiction, fantasy and historical fiction. If it includes an element of mystery, all the better! My favorite place to relax is at the beach during sunset. I love animals and am the proud owner of a Black Labrador Retriever and Siamese kittens. I look forward to being a Dragon in the Global Village community.
