Idaho Department of Education

The Gifted and Talented (GT) Endorsement is recommended for teachers who are facilitating and/or overseeing the Gifted and Talented program for their district. Some districts may request that if a teacher is providing supplemental services or facilitating the program that they acquire the endorsement. Twenty semester transcript credit hours are needed with three required semester credit hours in each of the following:

• Foundations of Gifted and Talented Education
• Creative/Critical Thinking Skills for Gifted and Talented Students
• Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
• Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students
• Practicum and Program Design for Gifted and Talented Education

No, however it is best practice to have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate education to GT students.

Gifted and Talented is not a required program but it is a required service. All districts have a 3-Year Plan in how they will screen, identify, and serve GT students. Please talk to your district about the options made available to you at the local level.