Top kids need care, too

Advocate for gifted students improves educational experiences

Early in Peta Hay’s teaching career, a gifted student shared a poem, revealing a fear and the guilt of inauthenticity, of suppressing her true self over trying to fit in with her peers. This inspired Peta to do more to support “not only the academic needs of gifted students but also their social and emotional needs.”

After graduating from Avondale, Peta taught at Strathfield Adventist College and, for four years, coordinated learning support for gifted students. She also stepped into the tertiary sector, spending a decade as a tutor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Australian Catholic University.

In 2008, nine months pregnant with her second child, Peta completed her PhD through UNSW. Her thesis examined the moral reasoning and empathy in gifted children. “They’re not necessarily high-performing private school students. They’re a diverse lot who may underachieve, feel lonely or have a disability.”

While supporting gifted students can be seen as “politically unsound,” Peta’s Christian motivation to serve has been unwavering. She continues to lecture at UNSW. Her focus is on ensuring we hear the needs of students, support parents and create research-based strategies for educators. While the school system can be seen as a one size fits all, Peta is passionate about finding ways to challenge those who learn differently. “I try to make my teaching engaging and rigorous, and I still think relationships are key to effective learning.”

The Class of 2000 honours Dr Peta Hay for her advocacy of gifted students and dedication to improving their educational experience.