Do they have a specialization in teaching gifted children for education majors?

Yes, there are schools that offer programs in Gifted & Talented Education. Two of the best in the US are University of Connecticut and University of Virginia. Both of these schools, along with Yale, are the core research universities for the National Research Center on Gifted and Talented. This means that the programs at these schools are on the cutting edge of new knowledge about gifted learners. They also provide classes from professors who are among the leaders in the field.

For example, at UConn, you can take classes from the likes of Joe Renzulli, Sally Reis, Del Seigle, and others. UVA professors include Carol Ann Tomlinson. If you have never heard of these people or their contributions to the field, I would encourage you to explore a bit about them, as they are major figures in gifted ed.

Finally, a good way to get connected with programs and decide which school is best for you is to be sure to join the National Association for Gifted & Talented, as well as your state association. They have lots of great resources that will serve you well in this decision. For example, lots of accredited schools are now offering online programs in gifted and talented (including UConn).

I am always glad to hear of people who are interested in pursuing degrees in gifted education. This is a unique population of learners with distinct needs that are too often overlooked, so every person who is willing to work on their behalf is a step in the right direction. Best wishes as you return to school!

Most classrooms that receive funding for gifted instruction are required to have an instructor who has a gifted endorsment to their teaching certificate. I’ve been a teacher for 18 years and I don’t have that endorsement but most of the teachers that I know who do got the specialization as an “add-on” endorsement to their teaching certificate after they started teaching. It requires taking some additional courses and then possibly doing a practicum to demonstrate their ability. Many local school systems offer some of their own classes or have cohort programs where a partner college/university offers the extra classes at very convenient times and places for teachers to take advantage. I did my first education degree at the Master’s level and I was required to take a specials needs course but I don’t think I had many open electives that would have allowed me the freedom to take gifted classes. It may be a case where you can complete the required courses for the gifted endorsement while you are completing the degree requirements for initial certification but you’ll probably graduate with some extra hours over and beyond. Most colleges with education schools have their specific programs detailed online now.

I live in GA and teachers and college students can get certified to teach TAG (talent and gifted program) classes. It will probably make your program longer because it is not a specific program but you will have to take class in that area to get certified to teach it. Look through you local college catalog, the talent and gifted program is sometimes offered as an add on to a current teaching degree.

I don’t think so.

You might look for a program that has good classes on differentiation rather than focusing just on gifted students. Learning how to properly and effectively differentiate the curriculum will benefit all learners.

Good Luck!

Try Sarah Lawrence College they have a grad program in the “Art of Teaching”. It is an excellent school.

Yes, there are spcializations and certifications for GT education. But I’m sure it will vary by state and by college. When you’re shopping for colleges, this is definitely something you want to look into more. It may be as simple as adding a minor to your education major and taking the additional certification test. You might also want to look up teaher certification information for your state.

Most universities offer a gifted and talented specialization.

Try these sites…

http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/programs/regular_masters.html

http://www.usm.edu/gifted/Friends_Newsletter_Vol_VI_Issue_2.pdf