About Us
Our Mission & Values
At Gifted Learning Center, our mission is to nurture curious minds through rigorous teaching strategies, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections.
We create a student-centered environment where learners explore depth and complexity, link knowledge to real-world contexts, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to prepare them for success in school and beyond.
“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. - Clay P. Bedford
Our Core Principles
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Rigorous Teaching Strategies – Project-based learning, gifted education methods, and explicit, systematic instruction that push students to make meaningful connections and draw from prior knowledge.
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Experiential Learning – Hands-on, engaging, and interest-based opportunities (including robotics) that bring concepts to life.
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Meaningful Connections – Students link new knowledge to personal interests and real-world experiences, making learning “stick” because they see its value.
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Student-Centered Learning – Instruction adapts to each child’s needs, pace, and goals, ensuring ownership and motivation.
Meet Our Leaders & Educators
Tressa Long Co-Owner
Tressa has had the heart of an educator her whole life. With over a decade of teaching experience across multiple states and learning environments, she brings adaptive, student-centered instructional design to Gifted Learning Center.
Education & Training
- B.S. in Elementary Education, BYU–Idaho (2014)
- MBA, Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University (2024)
- Gifted & Talented Certified
- Reading Specialist trained in Orton-Gillingham methods
Teaching Experience
- Taught nearly every elementary grade across multiple states
- Specialized in supporting struggling readers
- Believes in student-centered, alternative paths to learning success
Vision for Education
- Saw firsthand how vulnerable students often struggle in traditional systems
- Inspired to apply business knowledge to improve outcomes for all students
Tressa continues to sharpen her skills and bring innovative approaches to reading and gifted education, ensuring every student has the tools and confidence to succeed.
Scott Long Lead Instructor
Scott was the first in his family to graduate from college and brings a decade of multi-state classroom experience, specializing in diverse learning environments and Title I classrooms.
Education & Training
- B.S. Elementary Education, BYU–Idaho
- M.Ed. in Gifted & Talented Education, USC (2021)
- Certified in TESOL Instruction
- Certified in Science of Reading
Teaching Experience
- 10+ years teaching in California, Hawaii, Utah, and Idaho
- Specialized in Title I classrooms and diverse learners
Teaching Philosophy
- Former swim club and surf team coach
- Motivates students like there were athletes- through challenge, encouragement and discipline
- Believes students succeed through small consistent steps
Scott creates classrooms where students are excited to learn, challenged to grow, and equipped with critical thinking that extends far beyond school.
Chad Workman Co-Owner
Chad is a proven entrepreneur, educator, and leader who has built and successfully exited multiple ventures that continue to thrive today. His record reflects not only vision and drive, but also a deep commitment to building organizations that outlast him and serve their communities.
Education & Leadership
- Entrepreneurial leader with deep expertise in launching, growing, and sustaining high-performing businesses
- Presidential Leadership Scholarship and Student Body President at University
- MBA graduate, Utah Valley University
Accomplishments
- Serves as CEO/Board member of several companies across Utah.
- Creates sustainable ventures that inspire innovation, strengthen our local communities, and stand the test of time.
Passion & Drive
- Proficient in Spanish and experienced in promoting cultural integration to advance community initiatives.
- Lifelong learner, always challenging the status quo
- Dedicated to self-improvement and growth
Today, Chad blends entrepreneurial expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for education to help build a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and every child grows into a confident leader.
Our Shared Vision
Curiosity encouraged. Creativity celebrated. Preparation for school, work, and life.
Together, Tressa, Scott, and Chad combine entrepreneurial vision, classroom expertise, and innovative teaching methods to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and students are prepared to thrive.