In February 28, 2006, the New York State Education Department
approved our 12-credit program for the Gifted Certificate
Extension.
The New York State Education Department now requires teachers to
pass the Gifted Content Specialty Test and to successfully complete
12 credits of graduate courses in gifted education in order to
qualify for the Gifted Certificate Extension. Teachers will need to
have this Extension in order to teach in designated gifted
classes.
The graduate program in Gifted Education at St. John’s
University is designed to provide educators with a solid background
of expertise in gifted education, enabling them to work effectively
with a diverse population of exceptionally capable learners, and to
take leadership roles in the field. In addition to satisfying New
York State requirements for coursework and field hours for the
gifted certificate extension, successful completion of this program
will result in a St. John’s University Advanced Certificate in
gifted education.
The Program: History and
Description
On local, state, and national levels, communities concerned with
education have a heightened awareness of the fact that human
resources are our most precious assets. It is becoming increasingly
clear that additional pedagogical knowledge, skills, and
experiences are required for teaching those with exceptionally
advanced learning needs. The recent establishment by New York State
(NYS) of a gifted extension to its teacher certifications reflects
these emerging understandings.
Founded in 1870 by the Vincentian Community, St. John's is known
for giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to serve
others while achieving personal and professional success. Graduates
become leaders in their professions, their communities and the
world. In 2007, The School of Education at St. John’s University
established a Center for Gifted Education, with the mission of
building a vibrant, internationally recognized center of excellence
in urban gifted education.
The advanced certificate program now underway constitutes an
important part of St. John’s University's commitment to a
reputation for excellence in teacher development in gifted
education. It focuses on the urban context, incorporating rich
cultural, social, political, educational, and scientific resource
possibilities, and developing expertise in educating students from
a broad range of backgrounds.
Reflecting the Vincentian values of St. John’s University, the
program is infused with a strong commitment to social justice and
to understanding giftedness broadly and inclusively. Several models
and perspectives on giftedness, identification, and programming
will be incorporated. Consistent with current empirical and
theoretical work in the field, the focus is on an advanced
domain-specific mastery perspective rather than solely on
intellectual potential as assessed by intelligence
tests.
Program Coordinator:
Dr. James Campbell
Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional
Leadership
St. John's University School of Education
Phone: (718) 990-1469
Fax: (718) 990-2091
campbelj@stjohns.edu
Dr. Seokhee Cho
Associate Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional
Leadership
St. John's University School of Education
Phone: (718) 990-1303 Fax: (718) 990-2091
chos1@stjohns.edu
Office of Graduate Admissions
The School of Education
8000 Utopia Parkway
Sullivan Hall, SB 9
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-2304
graded@stjohns.edu