The Importance of Teachers

Every school and district should have an expert in gifted education available to provide services and advise colleagues.

Because gifted and talented students often end up in the regular classroom—or depend on regular classroom teachers for referrals for gifted education programs and services—it is crucial that all teachers have a basic understanding of how to identify and work with gifted students. Unfortunately, most teachers do not receive any training in the needs of high-ability students or gifted education practices.

In schools with large minority and/or low-income populations, classroom teachers trained to recognize and respond to high-ability students are especially important. Regular classroom teachers are the school's first line in the identification process for these high-potential, but not yet, high-achieving students.

Read the three knowledge and skill areas in gifted education that all teachers should possess.

Learn more about teacher preparation and programming standards in gifted education.