The University of St. Thomas

School of Education

program features

Certificate in Gifted, Creative and Talented Education

Developing Your Learners' Unique Talents

Classroom teachers, gifted specialists and education administrators can become leaders in gifted education with this certificate. These four certificate courses (12 credits) will enable you to design and develop gifted education learning experiences and programs. You will learn how to maximize the achievement of students with diverse talents and strengths. Courses primarily focus on curriculum, instruction and classroom management.

Nationally recognized researchers, trainers and designers of talent development programs are the faculty for this program. You�ll acquire practical strategies for the real-world, day-to-day needs of your students. Apply what you learn immediately in the classroom.

A certificate in gifted, creative and talented (GCT) education will help you:

  • Become knowledgeable about the various dimensions of giftedness.
  • Understand the social and emotional needs of gifted, creative and talented students.
  • Use the contributions and implications of recent research in the field to expand educational practice.
  • Be aware of appropriate GCT identification and assessment measures for diverse populations of children and adolescents.

Learn advanced skills for:

  • Designing differentiated instruction.
  • Developing strategies for teaching gifted, creative and talented learners.
  • Identifying and assessing gifted learners.
  • Implementing and evaluating programs for gifted, creative and talented learners.
  • Providing staff development.
  • Designing and reporting research.

The most widely earned certificate in GCT education is called Talent Recognition and Development. This certificate is now offered online. St. Thomas also offers three different certificate options:

  • Personalized Learning for Talent Development
  • Creative and Critical Thinking in the Classroom
  • GCT Resource Teacher Certification