Modality: Face-to-Face, Hybrid, Online
This Subsequent Endorsement is for educators with a current Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois as well as at least one teaching endorsement.
Concordia University Chicago’s Gifted Teacher Endorsement Program is designed for licensed educators with two or more years of teaching experience interested in developing an understanding of and developing programs for High Achieving, Gifted and Talented students. This program develops and refines teachers’ competencies in research-proven theory and instructional practice to meet the diverse, specialized needs of all learners in a variety of school settings. This course of study builds and strengthens a theoretical understanding of the foundations of Gifted Education while expanding the practical skills necessary to be successful as a teacher, and prepares educators to serve as teacher leaders in planning and implementing programs that address the specific needs of gifted and talented students.
This program provides a Gifted Teacher subsequent endorsement that matches the grade level on the student’s existing Professional Educator’s License (PEL). This program prepares candidates to take the stated Gifted Teacher examination, Gifted Education 312.
As part of the course of study, candidates will be required to complete a practicum. The practicum consists of an approved eight-week field experience in a PK-12 setting that offers programs for gifted students. The field experience allows candidates opportunities to provide professional development, leadership, and to practice using instructional strategies and assessment materials as well as model an appropriate mindset for meeting the needs of students who are gifted or talented.
The subsequent endorsement program will enable candidates to:
- Think critically and analytically about gifted education and the role gifted programs play in the development of students identified as gifted and talented.
- Develop curriculum and utilize instructional strategies that are differentiated and meet the learning needs of all students.
- Provide leadership in schools with gifted programs through program development and coaching.
- Promote an understanding of gifted learners and gifted education that leads to effective programming that includes: identification, assessment, technology, social and emotional learning, differentiated instructional practices, and productive learning environments.
General Graduate Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Concordia University Chicago graduate programs as published in the Concordia University Chicago academic catalog.
New students are accepted into most graduate degree-seeking, certificate, endorsement and/or post-graduate programs for online and on-campus study in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students seeking to change programs may do so by submitting a Change-of-Program quick app. Applicants must be in good academic standing according to Concordia University Chicago’s satisfactory academic progress standards and meet published program admission requirements at the time of requesting a program change. Program changes will be processed and recorded for the subsequent semester.
Endorsement Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU-6710 | Giftedness, Research & Policy | 3 |
| EDU-6715 | Curriculum Development for Gifted and Talented Learners | 3 |
| EDU-6720 | Identification, Assessment and Evaluation of Instructional Models for Gifted Learners | 3 |
| EDU-6725 | Differentiated Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners | 3 |
| EDU-6735 | Assessing Gifted and Talented Students | 3 |
| EDU-6745 | Gifted and Talented Practicum (PK-12) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
In addition to completing the required coursework, students must also pass the required IL Gifted Education (#312) exam for the endorsement.
Completion Requirements
- Have on file an application for this non-degree-seeking program.
- Complete, for the program being sought:
- the credit hours and levels as designated,
- within the specified time limit,
- with course grades of C- or higher,
- with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students completing multiple advanced programs or degrees at CUC must have a 3.0 GPA in each academic program in addition to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Have on file approved “Graduate Transfer Credit Approval” form(s), "Course Substitution" form(s), or evaluation(s), if applicable.
- Have on file the Intent to Graduate/Complete form with the Office of the Registrar by the published deadline.
- Approval of the faculty.
- All administrative obligations to CUC must be cleared in order to prompt the release of CUC transcripts.
Every attempt has been made to include information to aid the student with information about his/her program requirements. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to complete all steps and meet all deadlines relevant to completion requirements.
This program does not lead to initial Illinois licensure (PEL) but will, through direct university entitlement, lead to an additional credential on your existing PEL. The awarding of this credential will require the completion of this academic program and an existing and active PEL, and may require a passing score on the corresponding Illinois State Licensure Test(s), associated work experience, a previous master's degree, and completion of a state training academy. For specific requirements regarding this credential please refer to ISBE’s webpage or contact the Licensure Officer at licensure@cuchicago.edu.