The program in Gifted Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, takes a critical approach to the education of students typically identified as gifted. Although students leave the program well-grounded in the traditional theories and practices of the field to the point where they are qualified to teach in programs for gifted students in the public and independent schools, our program positions gifted education in the nexus of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and other sociopolitical factors that have influenced and continue to influence the field in profound ways.
Students who are interested in gifted education have two options on the M.A. level at Teachers College.
Those with no background in education can obtain the extension in gifted education as well as certification as an elementary school teacher through the Elementary Inclusive Education Program with the gifted extension (ELGF-DUAL). This option allows students in the Elementary Inclusive Education Program to receive the New York State certificate extension in gifted education along with their initial elementary education certification by including 12 credits in gifted education in their course of study. Students who choose this option complete an additional semester of student teaching (4 credits) in a gifted education setting, which can be an inclusive setting, along with three courses in gifted education. See program description below.
The M.A. certification program in the Education of Gifted Students (GIFT-EXT) is designed for students who have graduated from an accredited teacher education program and who hold an initial teaching certificate. Graduates of the program are recommended for the New York State certificate extension in Gifted Education. Thus, completion of this program provides students with both certification in gifted education and knowledge relating to the nature, needs, and pedagogy of gifted students that contributes to greater effectiveness as a teacher in a variety of situations.
Points/Credits: 32
Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Certification:
Degree Requirements
The Nature of Giftedness (7-12)
Required Courses:
C&T 4021 Nature and needs of gifted students (2-3)
C&T 4026 Exceptionality and intelligence (2-3)
C&T 5506 Seminar in gifted education (3)
Elective Course:
C&T 4025 Educating young potentially gifted children (2-3)
Teaching Gifted Students (6-8)
Required Courses:
C&T 4023 Differentiated curriculum for gifted students (2-3)
C&T 4022 Instructional models in the education of gifted students (1-2)
C&T 4024 Planning and implementing programs for gifted students (3)
Out-of-Program Requirements (6 credits minimum)
Additional courses to be determined in consultation with your advisor.
Field Placement (3)
C&T 4702 Student teaching-giftedness (3)
C&T 5302 Advanced practicum-giftedness (3)
Culminating Project (0)
A culminating project, arranged in consultation with your advisor, that demonstrates your ability to integrate your theoretical knowledge with practical problems and issues in gifted education.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) has teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher Education section of the catalog.
Points/Credits: 32
Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Degree Requirements
The Nature of Giftedness (7-12)
Required Courses:
C&T 4021 Nature and needs of gifted students (2-3)
C&T 4026 Exceptionality and intelligence (2-3)
C&T 5506 Seminar in gifted education (3)
Elective Course:
C&T 4025 Educating young potentially gifted children (2-3)
Teaching Gifted Students (6-8)
Required Courses:
C&T 4023 Differentiated curriculum for gifted students (2-3)
C&T 4022 Instructional models in the education of gifted students (1-2)
C&T 4024 Planning and implementing programs for gifted students (3)
Out-of-Program Requirements (6 credits minimum)
Additional courses to be determined in consultation with your advisor.
Field Placement (3)
C&T 4702 Student teaching-giftedness (3)
C&T 5302 Advanced practicum-giftedness (3)
Culminating Project (0)
A culminating project is arranged in consultation with the student's advisor, that demonstrates ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical problems and issues in gifted education.