Registration is currently open for the Metro RESA Model Gifted Endorsement. Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement Informational Flyer Link to Register

Gifted Endorsement

The Gifted In-Field Endorsement at Metro RESA is a GaPSC approved preparation program that provides approved candidates with the coursework and related field experience required to add the Gifted In-Field Endorsement to a current standard Georgia Professional Certificate. The endorsement is designed to train candidates to identify and teach gifted students from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds. This program ensures that its graduates have in-depth knowledge of teaching gifted and talented students. The assignments, performance tasks, and assessments for each course will serve as the basis for ensuring that candidates have this knowledge. Program candidates will complete 200 hours of coursework and applied field experiences; content knowledge will be integrated across courses to help ensure mastery and coverage.

Overview
- Year-long program.
- 200 contact hours/20 PLUs.
- Comprised of 4 separate courses, with an additional embedded internship component requirement
- Virtual delivery via Blackboard and Zoom; to include synchronous and asynchronous models
- Local school or school system delivery models may vary
Learning Outcomes
The Gifted endorsement program will prepare educators to effectively meet the unique instructional and socio-emotional needs of the gifted learner.
- understand the variations in learning and development in cognitive and affective areas between and among gifted learners
- provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for gifted learners by selecting and adapting evidence-based instructional strategies
- create safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments so that gifted learners develop social and emotional well-being
- understand the procedures used to identify students for gifted services and the appropriate assessments to use in classrooms with high ability learners
- collaborate with families and other educators in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of gifted learners
Admission Requirements
- Candidates must hold a valid Level 4 or higher, Induction, Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate. Candidates who currently hold an Induction certificate must complete the requirements required to convert their certificate to a renewable certificate as outlined by the GaPSC and their timeline.
- Candidates must have at least one year of successful teaching experience.
- Candidates must be recommended for participation in the program by their employing principal.
Tuition Costs
- Metro RESA Model:
  - The individual course cost is $350.
  - The total cost for all four courses is $1400.
  - Participants will not be allowed to begin a course until payment is received by Metro RESA.
    
    All fees are non-refundable.
- System or District Model:
  - Please contact the Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement Coordinator for more information.

Course I: Characteristics of the Gifted Learner (50 hours/5 PLUs)
Course Topics Include:
- An overview of the Gifted Endorsement Program
- Understanding of the concept of giftedness
- Historical perspective of Gifted Education
- Myths and realities in Gifted Education
- Characteristics of giftedness
- Gifted and learning exceptionalities
- Diversity in gifted and talented students
- Learning style differences
- Creativity and critical thinking skills
Course II: Identification and Assessment of the Gifted Learner (40 hours/4 PLUs)
Course Topics Include:
- Referral and eligibility process
- Communicating with parents and others about the process
- Understanding and interpreting test scores
- Measuring mental ability achievement, creativity, motivation
- Identifying special populations
- Classroom assessment procedures, including rubrics
Course III: Curriculum and Strategies for the Gifted Learner (50 hours/5 PLUs)
Course Topics Include:
- Adapting content for high ability learners
- Differentiation of content, process, product, environment
- Creativity and critical thinking skills
- Toolbox activities (New American Lecture, Windows Notes, Task Rotation, Mystery, Creative Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Metaphorical Expression)
- Differentiated lesson development
Course IV: Program Development for the Gifted Learner (40 hours/4 PLUs)
Course Topics Include:
- Overview of program design, development, and advocacy
- Georgia delivery model options
- Theoretical curriculum models
Gifted Endorsement Internship (20 hours/2 PLUs)
Internship may include:
- Assist with teacher training on the characteristics of gifted students
- Attend:
  - Informational meeting for parents
  - Enrichment activity or gifted program event
- Implement and reflect on original differentiated lessons
- Instruct gifted students
- Observe:
  - Veteran gifted endorsed teacher
  - Eligibility team meeting
  - Testing
- Present on a gifted topic to faculty or parents
Course Resource Requirements
- Computer with working camera, audio, and stable internet capabilities compatible with Chrome and supporting Blackboard and Zoom platforms

Courses are designed to be taken in sequence, beginning with Characteristics of the Gifted Learner and ending with the Program Development for the Gifted Learner. The Gifted Endorsement is divided into four courses, with an additional internship component. Successful completion of all four courses and the internship component are required to add the Gifted In-Field to a base certificate.

For more information, contact the Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement Coordinator, Sherry Wiedman.

Meet the Coordinators

Sherry Weidman, Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement Coordinator

Sherry serves as the Coordinator for the Gifted Endorsement Program at Metro RESA. She began her career in middle school education and spent fourteen years in the Cobb County School District teaching middle grades gifted students in Science, Social Studies, and Reading. In 2012, Sherry became the Coordinator of Advanced Studies for the Fulton County School District. While serving in this district leadership role, Sherry developed and managed the talented and gifted program, and supported all K - 12 gifted teachers for eight years before retiring in 2020. Sherry continues to be a strong advocate for gifted students and the appropriate educational opportunities necessary to meet their social, emotional, and academic needs. Sherry enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering with children in her community, traveling, and reading.

Sarah Kessel, Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement Co-Coordinator

Sarah is the Gifted Endorsement Co-Coordinator with Sherry Weidman. She has an extensive background in gifted education, curriculum and instruction, and leadership. Over the last two and a half decades, she has served as a teacher, District Math Coach, Gifted Coordinator, Advanced Learning Supervisor, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Director of Cobb's Elementary Virtual Program. Sarah is currently an Assistant Principal in Cobb County School District. Sarah loves to support teachers and leaders.

Gifted Endorsement

Overview

Learning Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Tuition Costs

Course I: Characteristics of the Gifted Learner (50 hours/5 PLUs)

Course II: Identification and Assessment of the Gifted Learner (40 hours/4 PLUs)

Course III: Curriculum and Strategies for the Gifted Learner (50 hours/5 PLUs)

Course IV: Program Development for the Gifted Learner (40 hours/4 PLUs)

Gifted Endorsement Internship (20 hours/2 PLUs)

Course Resource Requirements

Meet the Coordinators