Teachers do not need to be gifted themselves to teach gifted students. However, successful teachers of gifted students often possess certain qualities. These qualities include respecting students' strengths and weaknesses, being enthusiastic about teaching and learning, having strong teaching skills in areas like discussion and inquiry-based learning, understanding gifted characteristics, creating a safe environment for risks and mistakes, praising effort, exposing students to new ideas, having a sense of humor, connecting curriculum to student interests, and being well organized.