Search Database

For Educators: Professional Development

Jump to:

  • Organizations: International

    Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
    The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
    Fund for Teachers
    Fund for Teachers enriches the personal and professional growth of teachers by recognizing and supporting them as they identify and pursue opportunities around the globe that will have the greatest impact on their practice, the academic lives of their students and on their school communities.
    InterGifted
    InterGifted is an adult community and an adolescent community of nearly 1,000 gifted peers which also offers qualitative giftedness assessments, gifted coaching & mentoring, gifted therapy search & advocacy, workshops/courses, training for helping professionals working with gifted clients, and literature and advocacy on gifted personal development.

  • Organizations: Local

    EduFest (Boise, ID)
    This is a premier gifted conference held each summer on the campus of Boise State University. The week-long conference is smaller in attendence, but has boasted some of the same keynotes and session presenters as the ASCD and NAGC conferences. It provides amazing opportunities for teachers in the west to work with some of the professionals of the field of gifted education. There is also a Parent Day, Kidfest, and an Administrator/Counselor Day.

  • Organizations: National

    Earthwatch Institute Fellowships for Hands-on Science Learning
    Earthwatch Institute offers educators fully-funded fellowships for hands-on learning with leading scientists doing field research and conservation on 130 projects around the world. The maximum award offered is a fully-funded fellowship. Eligibility: Elementary, middle, and high school educators and administrators of any discipline. Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
    Fulbright Student Program - Institute of International Education
    Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Fulbright provides funds for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.
    Institute for Learning Technologies
    The Institute for Learning Technologies seeks to help advance Americans by exerting educational leadership through innovative projects, seminal research, and enlightened counsel. It aims to nurture, in a sustained manner, the humane application of information technologies, expanding educational opportunity and achievement for all.
    Institute for the Development of Gifted Education (Denver, CO)
    As part of the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, the Institute supports practice, conducts research, develops publications, serves the community, expands gifted education at the University level, and leads professional development. Through the Morgridge College of Education, pre-service through doctoral level graduate training is offered in gifted education.
    Jacob J. Javits Fellowships Program
    This program from the Department of Education provides financial aid to graduate students. It is available to applicants who show superior academic ability, achievement, and financial need, and those undertaking graduate study that will lead to a doctoral degree or a master's degree in which the master's degree is the terminal highest degree in the selected field of study.
    Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) (AR)
    The Center for Gifted Education provides programs and services to talented students and their families, teachers, and administrators. The goals of the Center are: To provide graduate education for individuals interested in teaching talented youth and in assuming leadership positions in the field of gifted education; to provide professional development programs and services to educators who serve talented youth; and more. The organization also offers the Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY), an educational program that provides unique learning experiences for high-ability students to explore and expand their talents and abilities. The program offers a variety of classes taught by a staff that includes graduate students seeking masters degrees in teaching the gifted and talented, certified master teachers, and other experts.
    National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
    The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), an organization of parents and educators, addresses the needs of children from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences. NAGC supports and engages in research and development, staff development, advocacy, communication, and collaboration with other organizations and agencies who strive to improve the quality of education for all students.
    National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) - Administrator Toolbox
    With short videos, factsheets, diagrams and a program evaluation checklist, the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Administrator Toolbox is a webpage for school district leaders and administrators across the nation with free resources to help them better serve high-ability learners. The materials in the toolbox are grouped into four sections: rationale for gifted education; basics of gifted education programming; accountability for gifted student learning; and connecting gifted education to other school practices, such as Response to Intervention.
    NEAG Center for Gifted Education & Talent Development - University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
    The University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT is home to the Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, whose research studies focusing the needs of gifted and talented youth have received international attention for more than 40 years.
    Students and Teachers As Research Scientists (STARS)
    Students and Teachers As Research Scientists (STARS) is a program, funded through the National Science Foundation, that introduces both rising high school juniors and seniors and their teachers to the various aspects of the scientific enterprise as practiced by successful scientists in academic, private and governmental research institutions.
    Teacher ToolKit - National Education Association (NEA)
    The National Education Association (NEA) provides Teacher Toolkit, a web-based application for classroom teachers. Toolkits aid teachers in a variety of areas including: classroom, IEP, curriculum, and assessment tools. In addition to toolkits, members have access to 12 hours of professional development from experts in the field.
    The Education Coalition
    The Education Coalition (TEC) is a not-for-profit educational organization, created in 1993 to serve the needs of the business and education communities. It is comprised of diverse agencies from across the nation working together to promote systemic educational reform through the use of multiple technologies.
    Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program
    The Voya Unsung Heroes awards program recognizes innovative and progressive thinking in education. The maximum award is $25,000. To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time educator, teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or classified staff member with projects that improve student learning at K-12 public or private schools.

  • Organizations: Regional

    GiftedMatters4Kids.com
    Located in New York, Dr. Susan Paynter, a child advocate, award-winning educator, and nationally recognized expert on gifted learners, helps schools and families create customized strategies designed to help gifted children feel challenged, successful, and fulfilled. She works one-on-one and collaboratively to design programs that adapt teaching methods to the learning styles of these unique students, rather than trying to adapt the students to the teaching methods. Dr. Paynter offers social skills training, parent support, enrichment classes and IEP development to help gifted kids flourish.

  • Organizations: State

    Georgia Tech CEISMC (Atlanta, GA)
    The Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) is a partnership between Georgia Teach and educational groups, schools and opinion leaders throughout the state of Georgia. The mission of CEISMC is to enhance STEM education in schools leading toward an improved appreciation and performance in STEM for all students in grades K-12.
    Programs offered to students through CEISMC include academic mentoring, a variety of summer programs and camps, and the K.I.D.S. Club Saturday program for gifted students. CEISMIC also works with educators and schools providing professional learning initiatives and programs focused on to bring STEM into classrooms.
    Washington Association of Educators of the Talented & Gifted (WAETAG) (WA)
    The Washington Association of Educators of the Talented & Gifted (WAETAG) is a non-profit organization which supports the education of gifted and talented persons through an annual conference for professionals and with a web site and newsletter filled with resources relevant to gifted youth and educators.

  • Printed Materials: Books

    A Practical Guide to Mental Health & Learning Disorders for Every Educator
    Covering topics including PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and many others, this accessible, ready-to-use reference explains how each disorder or difficulty might be exhibited in the classroom and offers straightforward suggestions for what to do (and what not to do). Using clear, jargon-free language, the book helps all educators—whether in inclusive classrooms, general education settings, or other environments—recognize mental health issues and learning disabilities that are often observed in students. Fully revised and updated to correspond to the DSM-5, this edition addresses newly diagnosed disorders, as well as incorporating the latest research and interventions for existing disorders. The book also includes current information about educational practices such as creating a culturally responsive classroom and supporting students’ social-emotional learning.
    A Teacher’s Guide to Stick Up for Yourself!

    This teacher’s guide expands the messages of Stick Up for Yourself!, teaching self-confidence and how to be assertive with easy-to-use sessions. Created for the classroom, these sessions can also be used in other group settings including counseling groups, out-of-school programs, community programs, and more. Digital content includes reproducible handouts.

    Alternative Assessments With Gifted and Talented Students (The Critical Issues in Equity and Excellence in Gifted Education Series)
    Written by Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Ed.D., this book provides a concise and thorough introduction to methods for identifying gifted students in the school setting. Including overviews of assessment tools and alternative methods of assessment, as well as pertinent discussions concerning the need to identify gifted and talented students, this book combines research and experience from top scholars in the field of gifted education in a convenient guide for teachers, administrators, and gifted education program directors. Click here to read a review of this book.
    Assessing Differentiated Student Products: A Protocol for Development and Evaluation
    Looking for a ready guide for developing and assessing a variety of authentic products in your classroom? If so, then the Developing and Assessing Products (DAP) Tool is for you! Written by Julia L. Roberts, Ed.D. and Tracy F. Inman, this book is about The DAP Tool as a protocol that simplifies the assessment process, encourages differentiation, and takes the ceiling off of learning.
    Assessment in the Classroom: The Key to Good Instruction (The Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education)
    The goal of all classrooms is to maximize the learning of all students; therefore, correctly assessing what students have learned is an integral part of good instruction. It is critical to take into account a student's level of knowledge, understanding, beliefs, skills, dispositions, and learning styles when planning for good classroom instruction and assessment. In this book, author Carolyn Callahan, Ph.D., provides an overview of the most common and successful assessment methods, including formal and informal assessments, student self-assessments, and preassessment strategies for planning instruction.
    Best Practices in Gifted Education: An Evidence-Based Guide
    The 29 practices included in this book, by authors Ann Robinson, Bruce M. Shore and Donna Enersen, are the result of an extensive examination of educational research on what works with talented youth. The interest in culturally diverse and low-income learners, the means to identify talents, and the need for curriculum that appropriately challenges high-ability youth constitute just a few of the 29 practices.
    Create a Growth Mindset School: An Administrator's Guide to Leading a Growth Mindset Community
    Principals and district administrators will learn ways to develop, sustain, monitor, and lead schools and districts striving for growth mindset learning environments. This book includes guidance in the areas of growth mindset hiring, feedback, systemic professional learning, and ways to evaluate present processes and protocols through a growth mindset lens. A mindset reflection tool allows education leaders to consider their own mindset thinking. Guidance and suggestions for embedding growth mindset learning through curriculum, instruction, and grading are also included in this valuable resource.
    Differentiating Instruction A Practical Guide for Tiering Lessons for the Elementary Grades
    Written by Cheryll M. Adams, Ph.D. and Rebecca L. Pierce, Ph.D., this easy-to-use, teacher-friendly book is a must-have for any educator wanting to differentiate instruction for the gifted or regular classroom. Differentiating instruction has become an integral part of classroom instruction, and tiering lessons is a practical, easy, and efficient way to ensure the various needs and learning levels of elementary students are met.
    Differentiation: Simplified, Realistic, and Effective
    The focus of this book is to simplify the implementation of differentiation to increase its practice. Specific aids and examples are included because teachers found them particularly beneficial to simplify the planning and preparation process of differentiated instruction.
    Educating the More Able Student: What Works and Why
    This book by Martin Stephen and Ian Warwick discusses the education strategies utilized to advance gifted and talented young people throughout the world. This comprehensive guide provides a first person view into the intricacies of various gifted program practices, their effectiveness and implications.
    Education of the Gifted and Talented (6th Edition)
    Written by Gary A. Davis and Sylvia B. Rimm, this book is a standard introductory text in gifted education. The sixth edition has been thoroughly revised, most notably with the latest research on acceleration, curriculum models, underachievement, culturally and economically disadvantaged students, gender issues, and dual exceptionalities. The content is further supported and enhanced by the inclusion of numerous practical strategies that can be implemented in the classroom, case studies that help teachers identify student needs, summaries of research on effective programs, emphasis on pedagogy and on social-emotional needs, heightened awareness of less visible sub-groups within gifted populations, and an amusing, witty writing style that adds to the appeal of this best-selling book.
    Excellence Through Equity: Five Principles of Courageous Leadership to Guide Achievement for Every Student
    This book is an inspiring look at how real-world educators are creating schools where all students are able to thrive. In these schools, educators understand that equity is not about treating all children the same. They are deeply committed to ensuring that each student receives what he or she individually needs to develop their full potential—and succeed.
    Growing Up Gifted: Developing the Potential of Children at Home and at School
    Barbara Clark's Growing Up Gifted is a textbook for gifted education studies. While it doesn't focus on the highly gifted, it does offer a good overview of the research in various areas of gifted education and development. Click here to read a review of this book.
    Handbook for Counselors Serving Students With Gifts and Talents: Development, Relationships, School Issues, and Counseling Needs/Interventions
    This book provides an overview of research on the general knowledge that has been amassed regarding the psychology of gifted students, introducing the reader to the varied conceptions of giftedness, issues specific to gifted children, and various intervention methods. Additionally, this handbook describes programs designed to fulfill the need these children have for challenge. With chapters authored by leading experts in the field, this book offers a place for professionals to turn for answers to a wide variety of questions about gifted children.
    Handbook of Gifted Education, 3rd Edition
    The 3rd edition of this classic text is a comprehensive resource addressing important research-based considerations in gifted education. Many respected professionals have contributed chapters that cover the following topics: conceptions and identification; instructional models and practices; creativity, thinking skills, and eminence; psychological and counseling issues; populations of giftedness; and special topics, including technology, rural schools, and legal issues.
    How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader
    The Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD) published this book designed to help every teacher who chairs a department, leads a committee, manages a team, coordinates a program, or mentors other teachers to accomplish basic leadership tasks with speed and precision. Filled with tips and how-to's that are left out of most teacher education courses and inservice programs, the guide covers formal and informal tasks that teacher leaders at every grade level are expected to know but rarely do.
    Introduction to Gifted Education
    This definitive textbook is designed for courses that introduce teachers to gifted education, whether that is in graduate school or in certification or continuing development programs for teachers. The book is inclusive in nature, addressing varied approaches to each topic while relying on no single theory or construct. The book includes chapters that focus on critical topics such as gifted education standards, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, diverse learners, identification, programming options, creativity, professional development, and curriculum.
    Kingore Observation Inventory
    The Kingore Observation Inventory (KOI) has been successfully implemented to identify gifted and talented behaviors in students for over 10 years in almost every state in America and several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Mexico. It is celebrated for its ability to identify gifted potentials in minority students and students from poverty who are frequently difficult to identify through standardized tests. It is valued by educators for its effectiveness and efficiency. This process helps teachers immediately initiate appropriate differentiation in the classroom for students whose learning responses exceed the expectations of the core curriculum. An easy-to-use assessment and differentiation process, the KOI enables educators to enrich the learning environment for all children while identifying gifted and talented students through seven categories of observable behavior.
    Magic Trees of the Mind : How to Nurture Your Child's Intelligence, Creativity, and Healthy Emotions from Birth Through Adolescence
    This book by Marian Diamond and Janet Hopson, is primarily aimed at parents and educators, but it is an extremely valuable resource for anyone (gifted children included) who are interested in brain development and the influence of appropriate enrichment.
    Makerspaces in School: A Month-by-Month Schoolwide Model for Building Meaningful Makerspaces
    Organized into an easy-to-follow, month-by-month plan for implementation, this book provides field-tested and research-based knowledge that will serve educators as they create and maintain a meaningful Makerspace. Although science, technology, engineering, arts, and math have made huge gains in the past decade, STEAM jobs are not being filled at the rate they are being created or needed. Makerspaces in School promotes innovative thinking in students that fills this need. Through Makerspaces, project-based learning provides opportunities for credible, legitimate, and authentic growth and development. This book will allow any educator to walk away with a plan to create a Makerspace in his or her classroom or a school- or districtwide model that works for many.
    Mindful Classrooms
    Used in over a thousand classrooms across the United States, this immediately accessible resource helps teachers integrate mindfulness activities into their classrooms in just three to five minutes a day. With full-color photos and simple instructions, the thirty-six weeks of activities can help children increase self-awareness and self-management, and improve responsible decision-making, social awareness, consideration toward others, and patience.
    Mindsets in the Classroom: Building a Culture of Success and Student Achievement in School
    Inspired by the popular mindset idea that hard work and effort can lead to success, the author of Mindsets in the Classroom, Mary Cay Ricci, provides educators with ideas for ways to build a growth mindset school culture, wherein students are challenged to change their thinking about their abilities and potential. This book includes a planning template, step-by-step description of a growth mindset culture, and “look-fors” for adopting a differentiated, responsive instruction model teachers can use immediately in their classrooms. It also highlights the importance of critical thinking and teaching students to learn from failure. The book includes a sample professional development plan and ideas for communicating the mindset concept to parents.
    Multicultural Gifted Education, 2nd ed.
    This book bridges the gap that exists between educating advanced learners and educating culturally different learners. It addresses various topics, including racially and culturally diverse students and families, historical and legal perspectives on educating gifted and minority students, culturally responsive curriculum and assessment, and counseling students from a multicultural perspective.
    National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Pre-K-Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards: A Guide to Planning and Implementing High-Quality Services
    This book by Susan K. Johnsen Ph.D. details six standards that address the areas critical to effective teaching and learning, along with suggestions for implementing each one. The gifted education programming standards are focused on student outcomes that address both cognitive and affective areas. Aligned to each of the outcomes are research- and practice-based strategies known to be effective for this special population of students. The book includes sample assessments of student products and performances, which will assist schools in developing program and service evaluation benchmarks.
    Organic Creativity in the Classroom: Teaching to Intuition in Academics and the Arts.
    This innovative collection of essays explores approaches to teaching creativity from the perspective of experienced educators and artists. The 23 authors have taught for more than 500 years combined, and in this book they share teaching stories and helpful strategies that can be used to encourage students to become more creative within specific domains.
    Programs and Services for Gifted Secondary Students: A Guide to Recommended Practices
    Written by Felicia A. Dixon, Ph.D., this book is designed to be a reference for service and program options for practitioners, administrators, and coordinators of gifted education programs. As such, it is a companion to the lengthier and more in-depth The Handbook of Secondary Gifted Education. The first part focuses on the gifted adolescent, including suggestions for academic, personal/social, and career exploration best practices. The second part explicates programmatic offerings available for gifted secondary students, such as AP and IB programming, distance learning, magnet and other special schools, study abroad, and early entrance to college options. The final section moves the discussion from “what is” to “what could be” for high-ability adolescents.
    Recognizing Gifted Potential: Planned Experiences with the KOI
    Planned experiences have proven particularly responsive to under-represented populations and enable more children of diversity and lower SES to demonstrate gifted potential. Planned experiences are high-level, open-ended activities designed to elicit and diagnose gifted behaviors. Districts have requested this set of activities that grade-level teachers complete with every student to provide equal opportunities for advanced behaviors to emerge.
    Reflections on Gifted Education: Critical Works by Joseph S. Renzulli and Colleagues
    In this book, more than 40 years of research and development are highlighted in a collection of articles published by Joseph S. Renzulli and his colleagues. Renzulli's work has had an impact on gifted education and enrichment pedagogy across the globe, based on the general theme of the need to apply more flexible approaches to identifying and developing giftedness and talents in young people. This collection of articles and chapters has strong foundational research support focusing on practical applications that teachers can use to create and differentiate learning and enrichment experiences for high potential and gifted and talented students.
    Six Thinking Hats
    This book uses the metaphor of six different hats to talk about different styles of thinking. A great resource for parents and teachers who are interested in helping bright young people to differentiate their thinking abilities.
    Social & Emotional Teaching Strategies (The Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education)
    As a classroom teacher, you play an active role in your students' social and emotional development. This guide by Stephanie K. Ferguson, Ph.D. offers useful advice and suggestions for classroom teachers seeking to support the emotional growth of the gifted children in their classroom.
    Staff Development: The Key to Effective Gifted Education Programs
    Developed through a joint effort between Prufrock Press, Inc. and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), this book acts as the reference for anyone involved in gifted and talented staff development. Facilitators for gifted programs must be able to plan, implement and evaluate staff-development experiences for a variety of school personnel and support role groups.
    Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom
    This edition reflects the author's personal experiences and the changes that have taken place in education over the years. Susan Winebrenner's basic philosophy hasn't changed, and all of the proven, practical, classroom-tested strategies teachers love are still here. But there's now an entire chapter on identifying gifted students. The step-by-step how-tos for using the strategies are more detailed and user-friendly. There's a new chapter especially for parents.
    Teaching the Gifted Child
    A classic textbook divided into three general parts: the gifted child and the changing school program, content modifications and information-processing strategies. This book is meant to help future teachers examine the characteristics of gifted students and presents methods of modeling the classroom curriculum to meet the needs of these gifted students. This thoroughly updated edition gives the latest information, new insights, expanded coverage, and additional pedagogy, while retaining the comprehensive scope and excellent writing that have made this a leading text in the field.
    The Challenges of Educating the Gifted in Rural Areas (The Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education)
    It is only natural to ask how best to maintain a quality educational program in remote areas where funding is limited by lower population numbers and recruiting experienced teachers is problematic. This book by Joan D. Lewis, Ph.D. addresses the challenges and benefits of rural schools, shares how to adapt traditional gifted education programs for rural settings, and identifies and examines the components of a workable, successful collaboration among school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and other supporters from the community.
    The Educational Entrepreneur: Making a Difference
    Celebrate the lives of 22 educational entrepreneurs who have made a difference. Learn how these men and women have turned their dreams into significant benefits for children. Share in their passion for education and learning. Follow them as they take ordinary educational concepts and make them extraordinary. Use these successful case histories to build your own success.
    The NEW RtI: Response to Intelligence
    This book provides practical advise for instructors who are looking to successfully incorporate students of all skill levels into their classroom. The book advocates for gifted children while supporting the concept that all children on the learning continuum grow and continue to learn.
    The PBIS Team Handbook
    PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) is the most important tool educators have to deal with disruptive student behaviors. This revised and updated handbook provides detailed guidelines for implementing and sustaining PBIS for schools and teams. New in this edition include a chapter addressing inequity and bias in behavior referrals and discipline; information about the tiered fidelity inventory (TFI) to evaluate adherence to PBIS practices; new research on sustainability; and much more. Downloadable digital content offers a PDF presentation to aid staff buy-in and customizable forms to help manage data and assess progress with ease.
    The Survival Guide for Teachers of Gifted Kids: How to Plan, Manage, and Evaluate Gifted Programs for Gifted Youth K-12
    Written by Jim Delisle and Barbara Lewis, The Survival Guide for Teachers of Gifted Kids, uses the experience of gifted educators to give teachers insight on working with gifted students. The book discusses: identifying and evaluating gifted students, various plans and programs that can be used to teach the gifted, and techniques to develop network support in schools that often suffer from under funding.
    The Thinking Teacher: A Framework for Intentional Teaching in the Early Childhood Classroom
    This essential professional development resource provides advice for early childhood teachers who are navigating demands and changes in their careers, helping them see these challenges as growth opportunities. Through in-depth self-assessment and reflection, educators reexamine their teaching philosophy, integrate new knowledge and strategies into their practice, and strengthen the impact of their teaching on students.
    The Ultimate Guide for Student Product Development & Evaluation
    From animations to WebQuests, this book's second edition by Frances A. Karnes, Ph.D. and Kristen R. Stephens, Ph.D. features all new products that promote the development of 21st-century skills in students. This new edition discusses how the skills and content gained from the development of products can be aligned with state and national standards. A special section is dedicated to how teachers can nurture the habits of the mind necessary for successful product completion. This book offers a step-by-step introduction to using creative projects in your classroom confidently.
    The Ultimate Guide to Internet Resources for Teachers of Gifted Students
    With this book, educators gain a detailed overview of how they can use the Internet to teach new information, extend students’ learning, and offer exciting opportunities for differentiation. The authors discuss the many ways in which Internet resources might be used and provide tips on connecting with experts and peers, conducting responsible research, evaluating websites and more.
    What to Expect When You're Expected to Teach Gifted Students: A Guide to the Celebrations, Surprises, Quirks, and Questions in Your First Year Teaching Gifted Learners
    This practical, easy-to-read guide reviews expectations versus likely classroom realities that first-time gifted teachers may face; includes real-world advice for navigating the joys, surprises, and frustrations; addresses specific topics related to gifted education, including students' social-emotional needs, and much more.
    When Gifted Kids Don’t Have All The Answers: How to Meet Their Social and Emotional Needs
    In this book, authors Jim Delisle and Judy Galbraith explain what giftedness means, how gifted kids are identified, and how we might improve the identification process. Then they take a close-up look at gifted kids from the inside out—their social and emotional needs. Topics include self-image and self-esteem, perfectionism, multipotential, depression, feelings of “differentness,” and stress. The authors suggest ways to help gifted underachievers and those who are bored in school, and ways to encourage healthy relationships with friends, family and other adults. Click here to read a review of this book (previous 2002 edition).
    Young, Triumphant and Black: Overcoming the Tyranny of Segregated Minds in Desegregated Schools
    This book offers answers to important questions about how educators can meet the needs of gifted Black students in desegregated, predominantly White schools by sharing the lived experiences of gifted Black students from different backgrounds. The book discusses questions such as: How do gifted Black students survive and thrive in de facto segregated Black schools? What barriers faced by gifted Black students from predominantly Black neighborhoods must be torn down? How do culturally responsive parents, teachers, and other educators confront racism and discrimination that impact gifted Black students? Through personal narratives and biographical accounts, this book reveals the triumph of gifted Black students as they and their families confront segregated minds in desegregated racially divisive institutions.

  • Printed Materials: Online Documents

    The Paradox of Giftedness and Autism (PDF)
    Developed by the Belin-Blank Center, this information packet is designed for professionals working in the field of gifted education. It covers the relationship between giftedness and autism, as well as other twice-exceptional issues.
    The Paradox of Twice-Exceptionality - Packet of Information for Professionals, 2nd Edition (PIP-2) (PDF)
    This second edition of the Packet of Information for Professionals (PIP) published by the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education has expanded the student population covered to include gifted students with disabilities including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disability (SLD). The packet includes recommendations for professionals working to support twice exceptional students' academic and social experiences at school.

  • Printed Materials: Periodicals/Reports & Studies

    Gifted Education Communicator (GEC)
    The Gifted Education Communicator is an online journal for educators, parents, and students published by the California Association for the Gifted (CAG). GEC issues include articles by leaders in the field exploring specific topics in gifted education, hands-on curriculum for professional development and the latest in research, parent information, tips, and resources for gifted learners, articles written by gifted students for gifted students and reviews of relevant books and resources.

  • Schools & Programs: College Affiliated

    Belin-Blank Center - The University of Iowa (IA)
    One of the top gifted education and talent development centers in the nation, the Belin-Blank Center has established itself as a worldwide leader in research, training and gifted resources. Gifted students are the focus – this organization concentrates on identification, specialized opportunities (such as talent searches and summer programs) and much more. With a recent focus on international education, useful policy information and more is available for those interested, all over the globe. There are also a number of resources available for parents and teachers.
    CaseNEX.com - Gifted Education Component
    Founded at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, CaseNEX supports educators through an online, case-based approach. The CaseNEX problem-solving model is engaging, collaborative, and effective. With school district and university partners across the country, CaseNEX has integrated their learning model and access a library of case studies to enhance, enliven, and extend existing programs. Teachers join collaborative online learning cohorts to satisfy professional development requirements, earn graduate credits, and complete Master's Degree programs.
    Center for Gifted Education and Teacher Enrichment at Whitworth College (Spokane, WA)
    The Center for Gifted Education and Teacher Enrichment at Whitworth College is located in Spokane, Washington. The Center was established to offer graduate courses and to provide in-service, consultant aid and other practical resources. Explore our website and see what we have to offer -- from a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an Emphasis in Gifted and Talented, to a full complement of classes for teachers of the gifted, to helpful information for parents and students.
    Center for Gifted Education at the College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
    The Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary, a research and development center, was established in 1988. The Center provides services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, parents, and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Center has established a national reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center.
    Center for Precollegiate Education and Training - University of Florida (UF-CPET) (Gainesville, FL)
    This program promotes interaction between teachers, students, graduate students, researchers and industry stakeholders in science and technology education and training. Some programs include: Dual Credit Enrollment, Excursions in Science, Mini Medical School, Science Information for Teachers, Summer Science Institute and more.
    Cleveland State University - Gifted Education Endorsement Program (OH)
    This school offers an endorsement program for licensure as a gifted intervention specialist, as well as a Curriculum and Foundations Master's degree with an emphasis on gifted education that includes the license. Faculty in the Gifted and Talented Program have extensive experience teaching gifted and talented learners and directing programs for these students, in addition to having a broad understanding of the research that informs the field.
    Drake University - Talented and Gifted Endorsement (Des Moines, IA)
    Drake University offers online courses for the K-12 Talented and Gifted Endorsement (TAG) that comply with the 12-hour Iowa Department of Education requirement for preparation of teachers, consultants and coordinators in gifted education programs. They have graduate students in theonline TAG program from 20 states and six countries. Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. This endorsement is fully approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
    Estrella Mountain Community College - Gifted Education Endorsement Program (Avondale, AZ)
    The Estrella Mountain Community College's gifted education endorsement program is a six-course online program that gives teachers the ability to become endorsed. The Arizona Department of Education states that teachers whose main priority is educating gifted students must have gifted-education endorsement.
    High Point University - Evening Degree Program (High Point, NC)
    High Point University (HPU) trains teachers for the add-on license in Academically/Intellectual Gifted (AIG). The courses leading to licensure in gifted education are extremely beneficial to any educator who seeks to learn more about the nature of accelerated learners and the methodologies most appropriate for maximizing their potential.
    Hunter College Center for Gifted Studies and Education (New York, NY)
    This organization focuses on creating activities for exceptionally gifted and talented children, teachers and parents. The Hunter College Center for Gifted Studies and Education offers a 12-credit graduate program for teachers pursuing the New York State Gifted Certificate Extension. This is necessary for teachers in New York who wish to teach gifted programming.
    Indiana Academy Distance Learning Program - Ball State University (Muncie, IN)
    The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities' Office of Outreach Programs extends the institute's mission to other schools and students throughout the state using the most economical and effective technologies available. This also allows us to serve students around the globe who are in need of advanced courses. Through these various Outreach programs, the Indiana Academy strives to stimulate and enable vitality in educational programs for academically gifted students and teachers.
    Indiana University Bloomington - Gifted and Talented License Program (Bloomington, IN)
    The School of Education at Indiana University in Bloomington offers a unique, integrated, 15-hour gifted and talented academic and art license program for K-12 teachers, administrators, graduate students, and counselors. Five courses are required during two summers and are applicable for an Indiana License in Gifted and Talented Education. Courses may be taken without enrollment in the license program.
    Indiana University Southeast (IUS) - Gifted Studies in Education Program (New Albany, IN)
    The School of Education at IUS offers Master of Science degrees in Education with majors in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Counseling. They also offer a substantial number of graduate-level courses applicable to license renewal, master's plus programs, or certification programs.
    Minnesota State University - College of Education (Mankato, MN)
    The College of Education at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota offers several options at the graduate level for professionals seeking to further their education. They include Educational Specialist, Master of Science and certificate programs in Gifted Education as well as a Master of Science program in Teaching and Learning for Optimal Talent Development.
    Muskingum College (New Concord, OH)
    Muskingum College offers a Masters In Education degree called Intervention Specialist: Gifted and Talented. This program specializes in ages 5-21, (47-49 credit hours). It is a licensure program designed for individuals with a valid elementary certificate or an early or middle childhood license.
    Rutgers University - Gifted Education Certificate Program (New Brunswick, NJ)
    The Rutgers Gifted Education Program offers a suite of professional development and consulting services to: help educators and parents meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted students; provide state-of-the-art professional development aligned with state and national guidelines for educators, counselors, and administrators; and, assist school districts in developing cost-effective ways to meet state mandates for gifted education assessment and programming. Rutgers also offers a offer a Gifted Education Conference designed for gifted educators who want to take a deep dive into best practices, learn about the latest research, and find inspiration to energize their work. The conference is held annually in mid-November.
    Sierra Nevada College - Master's with Gifted Education (GTED) Concentration (Incline Village, Las Vegas & Reno, NV)
    Sierra Nevada College offers graduate level gifted and talented classes for educators. These classes may also be used towards an Master's in Education with a concentration in Gifted & Talented degree.
    Texas State University - Gifted and Talented Education (San Marcos, TX)
    Supplementary certificates (formerly called Endorsements) are offered in addition to majors and specializations associated with the degree programs in Bilingual/Bicultural, Educational Diagnostician, Educational Reading Specialist, Gifted and Talented Education, and Special Education. Satisfactory performance on a State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) test is required for provisional or professional certificates in education.
    The Center for Gifted Studies - Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)
    Located on the Western Kentucky University campus, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents for more than 35 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, including residential summer programs for sixth through tenth graders. It also provides professional development for teachers, including one of the largest Advanced Placement Summer Institutes in the country and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education and Talent Development.
    The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies - University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS)
    In 2004, The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Center for Gifted Studies was established in 1979 and provides services for children and youth in grades kindergarten through 12 and support for teachers at the undergraduate and graduate level.
    University of Central Florida: Master degree program for gifted education (Orlando, FL)
    This program option ensures that educators are prepared to provide accelerated academic opportunities for students with advanced educational needs, and offers a unique opportunity to earn a Gifted Education Certificate, which is an endorsement of the Florida Teaching Certificate. There are 5 courses, which educators can earn 15 credit hours towards a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This program provides professional preparedness in accordance with the NCATE and the National Association for Gifted Children Standards for gifted education.
    University of Cincinnati - Gifted Graduate Certificate (Cincinnati, OH)
    The Gifted Education Graduate Certificate offered through the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services is specifically designed This coursework is designed for licensed K-12 teachers who want to enhance their ability to differentiate instruction and better serve the learning styles of their students. The research-to-practice model allows implementation of research-based practices into classrooms to immediately enhance the learning outcomes of students. Coursework is aligned with the Ohio Department of Education Gifted, Creative and Talented Endorsement for Ohio teachers who are interested in pursuing this additional credential. Through the School of Education, all teacher preparation programs are CAEP-approved.
    University of Georgia - Gifted Endorsement (Athens, GA)
    This is an add-on endorsement to a Georgia teaching certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Endorsement courses are open to UGA graduate students; non-students may complete the program by applying to the UGA Graduate School for non-degree status.
    University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Masters in Gifted Education (LA)
    This Masters in Gifted Education Education program provides a variety of experiences to support graduates in gaining and understanding the unique needs of gifted and talented students. It consists of 33 course hours and, upon completion, candidates are eligible to add gifted education to their teaching certificate in their certification area.
    University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) - Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Graduate Certificate
    University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte offers licensed teachers a fully online graduate certificate program with four courses (12 credit hours) that lead to the add-on licensure in Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) in North Carolina. Graduate certificate courses are offered through a combination of online delivery methods, and all four certificate courses count toward the M.Ed. degree for individuals who wish to pursue further graduate study on campus. Individuals living in SREB Academic Common Market states may be eligible to pay in-state tuition.
    University of Northern Colorado (UNC) - Center for the Education & Study of Gifted, Talented, Creative Learners (Greeley, CO)
    The purpose of the Center is to support and promote all aspects of gifted and talented education, including three summer programs for children and youth. Graduate level programs are offered for teachers in all content and grade levels as well as education and support to parents. There is also a program to earn a Masters degree in Special Education with Gifted and Talented emphasis.
    Vanderbilt Program for Talented Youth - Teaching for Talent & The Tennessee Employment Standard (Nashville, TN)
    This two-week session explores the nature and needs of academically gifted learners and evidence-supported models for adapting curriculum and instruction to meet those needs in Tennessee. Each day will encompass meaningful learning experiences, lectures from national experts in gifted education, and opportunities to interact with other education professionals.
    Vanderbilt Program for Talented Youth - Vanderbilt Gifted Education Institute (Nashville, TN)
    Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth offers professional development opportunities designed to help educators better serve and support high-ability students. They offer a variety of topics for practicing professionals throughout the year. The fall conference focuses on meeting the needs of high-ability students. The spring conference focuses on effective curriculum and teaching strategies for high-ability students.
    Wilmington College (New Castle, DE)
    Wilmington College is a small, private college in Delaware. Many of the students are adults who are seeking to improve their competitiveness in the job market or are preparing for a career change. The school recently adopted a Master of Education program in Instruction with a focus on Gifted and Talented learners. Completion of the four Gifted and Talented Education Courses will allow an educator to be certified by the State of Delaware as a Teacher of Gifted and Talented Students.

  • Schools & Programs: Math & Science Programs

    Teacher Enrichment Program (TEP)
    This is is the Center for Excellence in Education's program for middle and high school STEM teachers. TEP provides opportunities for rural and urban teachers to connect with experts from industry and academia to explore cutting edge research and make meaningful professional links with direct benefits for themselves and their students. All online resources and events are cost-free for all participants.

  • Summer Programs: Midwestern Region

    Summer Academic Programs at Carleton College (Northfield, MN)
    Carleton College offers several summer programs for high school students and teachers. They offer: Summer Writing Program; Summer Teaching Institute; and, Carleton Liberal Arts Experience.

  • Summer Programs: Northeastern Region

    University of Connecticut Confratute
    Confratute is a summer program with one- and two-week options consisting of over 80 intensive mini courses taught by educational leaders. These courses are aimed at training educators on topics related to gifted education and talent development.

  • Websites & Other Media: Commercial

    Math Solutions® Professional Development
    Math Solutions offers a wide range of professional development services for elementary school teachers, with the belief that it is essential to provide resources and programs that support long-lasting improvement in math instruction. They offer books, videotapes, in-service courses, an online newsletter and distance coaching in order to support the professional development of all educators.
    OCTVS.org - Classroom Connect
    Classroom Connect is an award-winning provider of professional development programs and online instructional materials for K-12 education. They are devoted to helping teachers become better teachers by engaging them in their own learning and inspiring positive change in the classroom.
    Stenhouse Publishing
    Stenhouse Publishing offers a wide variety of curriculum books. According to the website they offer: Professional Materials by Teachers for Teachers.
    Veritas Press
    Veritas Press offers an online catalog filled with teaching materials for secular teaching. Their catalog provides "Christian educators in the home and school setting with quality tools for a quality education."

  • Websites & Other Media: For Educators

    20 Quick Actions You Can Do Today To Set Your Classroom Up For Success
    This article provides educators a number of unique tips to improve the classroom experience.
    ArtsEdge (Washington, DC)
    ArtEdge is a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and offers free, standards-based teaching materials for use in and out of the classroom, as well as professional development resources, student materials, and guidelines for arts-based instruction and assessment.
    Intel® Education Initiative
    Intel offers free professional development to K-12 educators, focused on enhancing education with technology and student-centered learning approaches. Gather ideas from a collection of exemplary Unit Plans and design your own technology-rich teaching plan. Develop strategies for student-centered assessment and create your own from an Assessment library. See how an interdisciplinary project uses roller coaster design to engage students in math, science, and language arts.
    National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) - National Programming Standards
    NAGC has developed national standards in programming and services and teacher preparation to guide high quality education for the nation’s estimated 3 to 5 million gifted and talented students. Standards provide a basis for policies, rules, and procedures that are essential for providing systematic programs and services to any special population of students. While standards may be addressed and implemented in a variety of ways, they provide important direction and focus to designing and developing options for gifted learners at the local level.
    National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI)
    National Center for Youth Issues provides educational resources, books, training and support programs to foster the healthy psychosocial, emotional, and physical development of children and youth. NCYI hosts local, regional, and statewide “Healthy Choices for Youth” educator training events, and provides conference management services to help school districts, nonprofits, and government agencies as they work to improve life outcomes for children and youth. This organization also provides free training resources and sells books on various youth issues.

  • Websites & Other Media: Informational

    Byrdseed
    Byrdseed is a website dedicated to understanding gifted learners with information about how to differentiate lessons, teach across content areas and appreciate gifted kids’ unique social and emotional needs. Subscribe to articles or watch videos by gifted education teacher and former gifted student, Ian Byrd.
    Education Northwest
    Education Northwest improves educational results for children, youth, and adults by providing research and development assistance in delivering equitable, high-quality educational programs.
    Free Spirit Webinars
    Free Spirit’s online professional development brings experts in education right to your screen. The free on-demand webinar recordings address timely and relevant topics in early childhood education, bullying prevention, gifted education, and more.
    Learner.org
    This online curriculum resource offers teachers and homeschoolers a variety of subjects. Courses include videos, textbooks, student manuals and practice tests.
    Learners Link
    This site provides professional expertise to the national public school districts to train classroom teachers on using targeted instructional strategies to meet students' unique learning needs.
    Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning
    At the Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), we believe that meeting the needs of America's educators and their students is paramount. Our staff of highly respected educators and researchers focuses on providing the highest quality, field-tested, research-based products and services available in PreK-16 education today.
    NAGC Diversity Toolbox for Gifted LGBTQ Students
    Many educational groups are concerned about how best to meet the needs of special populations of gifted students. District and school leaders plan for educational opportunities and teacher education that respond to the learning needs of all their students. However, not all schools and districts have leaders and teachers with backgrounds in gifted and talented education who also know how to best address the particular needs of gifted students who [identify as] lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or questioning (LGBTQ). [This toolbox was] created to provide resources to administrators, teachers, and parents/caregivers [so that they may better understand] the needs of gifted LGBTQ students.
    NASA - For Educators
    This section of the NASA website is dedicated to educators. Search hundreds of resources by subject, grade level, type and keyword. These lesson plans and teaching materials support a STEM curriculum. Also, browse STEM-related professional development opportunities, webinars, workshops, and ways for educators and their students to get involved with NASA.
    Noodle.com
    Noodle is the first and only life-long education related search company in the world. John Katzman, the founder of The Princeton Review and 2Tor, started Noodle in 2011. This website's goal is to provide a recommendation engine to help anyone find educational opportunities at all levels, from K-12 to college, grad school, weekend classes, and professional development.
    PBS - Public Broadcasting Service
    This website from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) offers an endless supply of information on various topics with special sections for kids and teachers. The teacher section has thousands of lesson plans and activities. The TeacherLine section lists online professional development opportunities.
    Professional Development at The Learning Page
    This online curriculum resource offers professionals the opportunity to improve their skills. Through a variety of professional development programs and resources, educators can learn how to effectively use Library of Congress resources in the classroom. Programs include teleconferencing workshops, online and downloadable materials, live workshops and a fellowship program.
    With Understanding Comes Calm
    This website, run by Julie Skolnick, is designed to support parents of twice exceptional children through education, tailor-made strategies and advocacy training. Julie conducts half-day and hour-long teacher workshops and supports gifted and twice exceptional adults in navigating their relationships.

  • Websites & Other Media: Learning Tools

    YouCubed
    YouCubed is a nonprofit organization providing free and affordable K-12 mathematics resources and professional development for educators, parents and students. This resource is created by a Stanford University math specialist.