Virginia Teacher Certification in Gifted Education
Education of intellectually gifted students, unlike other areas of special education, is not mandated by the federal law IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Therefore, if there are guidelines at all, the requirements for teacher licensure vary dramatically from state to state.
-
Gifted Education in Virginia
-
Unlike some of its neighboring states, Tennessee, for example, Virginia's Department of Education does not include education of gifted students as part of special education. Therefore, teachers of gifted students are not required any training in special education. Also, each school district is allowed to establish its own eligibility criteria and determine how it will deliver services to those students who are eligible for gifted education services.
Virginia Educators of Gifted Students
-
In Virginia, teachers of gifted students must obtain an add-on endorsement in gifted education. An add-on endorsement is an endorsement granted in addition to the initial area of licensure. For example, a teacher may have initial licensure in elementary education and "add-on" an endorsement in another teaching area, such as gifted education.
-
Prerequisites for Add-On Endorsement in Gifted Education
-
There are two paths toward gifted education endorsement. The first is the completion of a teacher preparation program in education of gifted students. The second is to take 12 hours of graduate-level courses in gifted education and complete a practicum in teaching gifted students. Those who chose the second option can have primary endorsement in any educational area.
Practicum Requirements
-
The candidate for endorsement in gifted education must complete a practicum or internship of at least 45 hours. This practicum must involve teaching gifted students. The assigned mentor must have a valid license with an endorsement in teaching gifted education. Teachers may be able to substitute a year of classroom teaching experience for these practicum hours.
Possible Practicum Experiences
-
A teacher's practicum experience may include any of the acceptable service options for gifted students. These can include: special classes provided on a part-time basis, differentiation of instruction in the regular classroom, counseling sessions, honors or advanced level courses, seminars and special workshops, mentorships, independent study, full-time classes (center- or school-based ) or access to secondary level specialized programs (i.e., Governor's School).
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Portrait of a styled children. Theme: education.. image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
