Study Format
- Online
- On Campus
Program Length
- 18 Credit Hours
- 12 Months
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
Spring 2025 Completed File Due | Classes Start Jan. 6, 2025
Concordia University Chicago’s Gifted Teacher Subsequent Endorsement Program (18 credit hours) is designed for licensed educators, who currently hold an endorsement. Candidates interested in developing an understanding of and developing programs for High Achieving, Gifted and Talented Students. This program develops and refines teachers’ competencies in research-proven theory and instructional practice to meet the diverse, specialized needs of all learners in a variety of school settings. This course of study builds and strengthens a theoretical understanding of the foundations of Gifted Education while expanding the practical skills necessary to be successful as a teacher, and prepares educators to serve as teacher leaders in planning and implementing programs that address the specific needs of gifted and talented students.
This program provides a Gifted Teacher endorsement (for teachers who currently hold an endorsement in another area) that matches the grade level on the student’s existing Professional Educator’s License (PEL). This program prepares candidates to take the stated Gifted Teacher examination, Gifted Education 312.
Practicum: Field Experience. As part of the course of study, candidates will be required to complete a practicum. The practicum consists of an approved eight-week field experience in a P-12 setting that offers programs for gifted students. The field experience allows candidates opportunities to provide professional development, leadership, and to practice using instructional strategies and assessment materials as well as model an appropriate mindset for meeting the needs of students who are gifted or talented.
Program Outcomes
Candidates will demonstrate knowledge through learning experiences that allow them to incorporate skills aligned to theoretical and research-based practices necessary to develop classroom organization, management, planning, and teaching in a gifted field especially giving attention to serving students from diverse populations. The endorsement program will enable candidates to:
- Think critically and analytically about gifted education and the role gifted programs play in the development of students identified as gifted and talented.
- Develop curriculum and utilize instructional strategies that are differentiated and meet the learning needs of all students.
- Provide leadership in schools with gifted programs through program development and coaching.
- Promote an understanding of gifted learners and gifted education that leads to effective programming that includes: identification, assessment, technology, social and emotional learning, differentiated instructional practices, and productive learning environments.
Program Information
Required Coursework (18 credits)
EDU 6710 Gifted Research: Issues, Policy, and Research
Students will identify and study the unique characteristics of the gifted learner, including 2e students, assess current research, and consider the under representation of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse populations in gifted programs. Students will review current laws, policies and national standards in order to apply them to the education of gifted and talented students.
EDU 6720 Identification, Assessment and Instructional Models for Gifted Learners
Students will learn multiple methods to identify and support gifted learners. Instructional models in gifted teacher will be examined and evaluated. Challenges to inclusive identification of gifted and talented students will be a focus.
EDU 6715 Curriculum Development for Gifted and Talented Learners
Candidates will learn how to develop K-12 curriculum for gifted and talented students that take into consideration the wide range of abilities and varying needs of gifted and talented students. Curriculum modification and development that aligns with assessment frameworks and instructional practices will be addressed. Gifted curriculum models will be studied and analyzed.
EDU 6725 Differentiated Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners
Students will conduct an in-depth study of differentiation strategies to meet the needs of Gifted Learners. Further, students will create learning experiences that provide choice and challenge with opportunities for more profound and more complex learning.
EDU 6735 Assessing Gifted and Talented Students
This course enables candidates to defend and develop an understanding of how to create, implement, and evaluate assessments for, of, and as learning. A variety of assessment instruments will be explored and designed. The focus will be on aligning assessment to curriculum and teaching practices appropriate for gifted and talented learners.
EDU 6745 Gifted and Talented Practicum (P-12)
The practicum consists of an approved eight-week field experience in a P-12 setting that offers programs for gifted students. The field experience provides candidates opportunities to provide professional development, leadership, and to practice using instructional strategies and materials as well as model an appropriate mindset for meeting the needs of students who are gifted or talented.
Seminar in Higher Education (EDU 6015)
In addition to the base program curriculum, international students attending face-to-face classes on the CUC campus are required to take the Seminar in Higher Education, a 3-credit course.
Course Description
This course will serve as an introduction to the U.S.-based higher education learning environment. Students will work to understand Concordia University Chicago’s academic conventions, technological systems and communication culture while developing English grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
The Seminar in Higher Education is an excellent opportunity for students to further develop critical skills to help them to be successful in their academic program. This 3-credit course is mandatory for international students attending face-to-face classes on the CUC campus.
Course Objectives
- Developing knowledge about local and academic culture
- Building grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
- Conducting graduate-level research with the use of electronic and library resources
- Developing note-taking strategies for coursework
- Reflecting on the U.S.-based education system
Academic support for work in students’ current coursework will also be provided during or after class. Guest speakers include representatives from the campus library, writing center and technology services.
Student feedback for the Seminar in Higher Education
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After taking the Seminar, I have the ability to perform more professionally in my assignments.
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The instructor was very dynamic and a good listener. He gave feedback and made sure all the students understood.
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The hands-on activities after the lessons helped my learning experience.
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The professor truly cares for the students. He helps students individually and encourages us to support our peers.
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