Gifted and Talented Education Specialist

Please be prepared to submit documentation verifying that you have met the requirements of one of the options below:


Option I:

Master’s degree from a Maryland-approved program approved to lead to licensure in Gifted and Talented Education, including three semester hours of special education coursework, and 27 months of satisfactory teaching experience or clinical experience.


Option II:

Master’s degree from an out-of-state program that leads to Gifted and Talented licensure, three semester hours of special education coursework, and 27 months of satisfactory teaching experience or clinical experience.

Option III:

(1) Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university;

(2) 15 semester hours of graduate course work in Gifted and Talented Education, to include a balance of content in the following competencies:

  1. (a) Understanding the foundations of gifted education, including historical perspectives, key philosophies and theories, social, cultural, and economic influences, key issues, and trends;

  2. (b) Understanding the unique cognitive and affective characteristics of gifted and talented students, including the learning differences of gifted and talented students with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds;

  3. (c) Understanding processes and procedures for the identification of gifted and talented students, including the use of equitable approaches for identifying gifted and talented students from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities;

  4. (d) Understanding evidence-based instructional strategies for differentiating instruction for gifted and talented students, including strategies that enhance the acquisition of knowledge and skills in specific domains, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and metacognition;

  5. (e) Understanding theories and models for developing and implementing curriculum, instruction, and assessments for gifted and talented students; and

  6. (f) Understanding how to create learning environments that foster the social and emotional well-being of gifted and talented students, including the development of self-awareness, coping skills, positive peer relationships, and leadership; and

(3) 3 semester hours in a clinical/laboratory internship;

(4) 3 semester hours of special education coursework; and

(5) 27 months of satisfactory teaching experience or clinical experience.