Graduate Certificate – Gifted Education

Preparing educators to support gifted learners

Gain the skills and knowledge to support gifted learners in K-12 classrooms. Whether you're seeking to add an endorsement in gifted education or simply wish to better understand the unique learning needs of gifted and talented students, our fully online, 12-credit graduate certificate will meet your needs.

Topics of study include cognitive and developmental theories of giftedness; techniques and strategies for supporting gifted students academically, socially and emotionally; and differentiation of classroom instruction for gifted learners.

Our fully online certificate program is designed for in-service teachers, counselors and administrators working in K-12 schools, as well as other educators interested in expanding their knowledge of gifted education. Current W&M students pursuing an initial licensure in teaching through one of our undergraduate or graduate programs may also add this certificate to their course of study.

Format

The graduate certificate is a 12-credit, fully online program, designed to be completed on a part-time basis. Teachers can continue to work while earning the certificate, which prepares them to add a Gifted Education endorsement to their teaching license.

Curriculum

The certificate will provide students with knowledge and skills to meet the needs of gifted students in the classroom. Students will learn about the learning differences and the cognitive and affective characteristics of gifted learners. Students will examine curriculum models in gifted education and learn how to develop a curriculum unit. Coursework will provide students with an opportunity to design learning modifications to grade level curriculum to address the education and learning needs of gifted and talented K-12 learners.

Virginia PreK-12 Educator Discount Program

New program in Summer 2024

Both programs are eligible for the new educator discount for qualified applicants. Full-time educators, currently working in a public or private PreK-12 institution in Virginia may be eligible for a 25% discount.

Participants must be Virginia Residents, can only take up to 6 credit hours per semester, and must be employed full-time in a Virginia PK-12 school.

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