In 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 the gifted certificate extension, students may apply these credits toward an Advanced Certificate and Doctoral Program in Instructional Leadership.
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.
In 2007, The School of Education at St. John’s University established a Center for Creativity and Gifted Education, with the mission of building a vibrant, internationally recognized center of excellence in urban 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.
*No federal aid is available for this program