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Education of the Gifted

Overview

Education of the gifted programs prepare people to work with children who have gifted abilities.

Students learn to identify and teach gifted children. They also learn to create education plans to meet their needs.

Education of the gifted programs include topics such as:

Schools

A very small number of colleges and universities allow students to concentrate in education of the gifted while working on a bachelor’s degree in education.

Many colleges and universities offer graduate degrees in education of the gifted. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

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Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Some education of the gifted programs require you to complete an admissions process separate from their general undergraduate admissions process. In such a case, you typically apply to the program after your freshman or sophomore year.

Overall, program admissions vary. However, for all programs, you need good grades. You also usually need to complete some combination of the following requirements:

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree and good grades. You also need to submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

Not all programs require your bachelor's degree to be in education for admission. However, if possible, you should take several courses in education.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:

The core courses are often either a more thorough or more directed study of issues and topics that are introduced in undergraduate courses for this program. You also take courses in research methodology and statistics to prepare you to do independent research.

Most programs require you to complete a student teaching practicum, which is a hands-on opportunity to apply what you've learned in one of a variety of gifted and talented education settings. You could help teach an advanced math class for seventh graders. Or you could help develop the curriculum for a gifted youth program for an entire school district. Whatever the setting, you benefit from the guidance and direct supervision of an experienced gifted education teacher.

Many programs also offer a pre-practicum course. This exposes you to gifted education before you are given the responsibility of teaching a course. You would work closely with a gifted education teacher and an advisor from your program, observing, discussing, and assisting.

Things to Know

You need to be licensed to teach in public schools. All states require you to have at least a bachelor's degree and a certain amount of supervised practice teaching experience. Some states also require that you have a master's degree.

Part of the licensure requirements of many states includes one or more tests such as the Praxis exam.

State requirements for gifted education teachers vary. Some states require you to complete a certification process.

Because some states don't have official certification processes, you need to develop a teaching portfolio. This showcases your teaching vision, achievements, and competency to potential employers. As a student, you can start compiling samples of syllabi and student work that you've graded, as well as other materials that reflect your growth and development as a teacher. You can also include a statement of your teaching philosophy and career objectives.

Schools

Spokane Area

Whitworth University