The Davidson Institute team is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jim Delisle, a remarkable educator, author, and steadfast advocate for gifted youth. For decades, Jim was not only a respected voice in the field of gifted education but also a beloved friend, mentor, and collaborator who helped shape the very heart of our work.
Jim’s connection with the Davidson Institute ran deep. As an outside consultant and trainer, he helped guide our staff’s professional development, sharing his expertise with warmth and wit. He was a key influence in our Ambassador Program, a trusted facilitator who inspired both students and colleagues alike. At our Summits, alumni events, and gatherings across the years, Jim brought his trademark insight, humor, and compassion, reminding all of us that the emotional world of gifted individuals is as important as their intellectual one.
Beyond his many contributions to Davidson, Jim’s writings and teachings made a lasting difference to countless families and educators worldwide. His ability to speak honestly and empathetically about the joys and challenges of giftedness resonated deeply with everyone who had the privilege of learning from him.
It is impossible to fully capture the breadth of Jim’s influence. He helped us see and understand gifted learners as whole people, with strengths, vulnerabilities, and enormous potential. His work and friendship left an indelible mark on our team and on the broader gifted education community.
As we reflect on all he gave to us, we celebrate his enduring legacy – one grounded in empathy, honesty, and an unwavering belief in the value of every gifted individual.
Thank you, Jim, for being such an integral part of the Davidson story. You will always be remembered with deep gratitude and admiration.
For those wishing to revisit Jim’s work and words, you can find more of his writings through Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG): https://sengifted.org/author/jim-delisle/
Below are some of Dr. Delisle’s key writings and presentations that have deeply influenced the Davidson Institute’s programs and community. These resources showcase his compassionate approach to gifted education and provide valuable insights for families, educators, and gifted individuals alike:
Tips for Parents: Doing Poorly on Purpose – Underachievement and the Quest for Dignity
Dr. Delisle explores the emotional roots of underachievement among gifted students and emphasizes the importance of dignity, self-motivation, and authentic learning experiences.- Avoiding, Reversing & Handling Underachievement in Gifted Students
A reflection and compilation featuring Dr. Delisle’s foundational ideas, including his statement that “underachievement tends to be an issue of dignity, not curriculum.” - Profoundly Gifted Guilt
Dr. Delisle discusses the complex emotions parents face when raising profoundly gifted children, encouraging families to embrace their children’s uniqueness with empathy and without guilt. - Tips for Parents: Socialization and the Highly Gifted Child
Based on one of his Davidson Expert Series workshops, this piece centers on the social and emotional needs of profoundly gifted students and their families.
“One of my favorite quotes is from English author George Eliot: ‘It’s never too late to be who you might have been.’ It seems this truth is especially appropriate for gifted kids and teens who are said to be ‘underachieving’ when they don’t meet a level of expectation that others expect them to reach.”
– Dr. Jim Delisle