Endorsement in Gifted Education

This program provides an opportunity for licensed teachers to obtain an additional endorsement in teaching gifted children. The program coordinator interviews applicants for the purpose of evaluating the extent to which their teaching experiences and past coursework demonstrate competencies required by Johnson University. Evidence is collected in a portfolio, and any deficiencies are addressed through coursework or projects. When the student has met all standards, the student presents the portfolio to an exit committee. Upon successful completion of this process, the Templar School of Education recommends the student to the Tennessee State Board of education for the endorsement.

Educational needs of students pursuing the Gifted Education endorsement are determined on a case-by-case basis. Accordingly, the program may include a combination of credit for prior learning, online courses, and/or face-to-face courses offered at the Tennessee campus. Students will be required to participate as an online cohort that begins during the fall semester and concludes with the spring semester.

Required Courses (6 credits)

Nature & Needs of the Gifted Child
This course examines the particular nature, needs, and development of the gifted student. Pertinent issues such as creativity, cultural differences, gender, and underachievement are examined. The history of gifted education is explored, as well as how to recognize and identify giftedness in the classroom. Students also examine characteristics of the teacher of the gifted.

Methods of Teaching the Gifted Child
This course provides learners with an understanding of the instructional needs of gifted students and the resources available to teach and enrich the education of these individuals. Emphasis is placed on curricular models, teaching strategies of differentiated instruction, and processes for learning.