The BYU-Public School Partnership's Gifted and Talented Committee has developed an endorsement (licensure) program for teachers who want to teach Gifted and Talented classes in Utah. This endorsement program has been designed to meet Utah State Office of Education (USOE) teacher licensing standards as outlined by Utah State's Policies and Procedures Manual which governs teacher licensure in Utah. This 2-year endorsement program has been developed around current literature on the best teaching practices, identification and assessment techniques, instructional strategies, and theories of creativity for use in working with Gifted and Talented children in a public school setting.

This endorsement program is designed to teach or provide additional information and skill in learning three types of knowledge: declarative, procedural, and contextual. By learning these skills, participants will become well-rounded, not only in their knowledge of the most current information on teaching gifted children (i.e., historical development of gifted and talented programs with current practices and procedures in identifying and teaching gifted children, etc.), but also in their demonstration of competence and skill in applying that knowledge in clinical and practical teaching experiences in working with gifted children.

Program

The endorsement program requires candidates to complete 16 semester hours of study and practica. The 16 semester hours are divided into 7 different courses and practica experiences. All courses and practica experiences have been designed to meet Utah State Office of Education (USOE) standards as well as standards set by national organizations related to teaching the gifted youth. Registration for courses in this program will be through the BYU Division of Continuing Education using 515R course numbers. Candidates for this program must have a valid teaching license in elementary, secondary, or special education, and viable teaching experience. All candidates must apply to be accepted into this program.

Once a candidate has been accepted into the endorsement program and has successfully completed the required courses, practica, and electives, an application for the endorsement will be prepared by the district representative of the Gifted and Talented Committee and a letter of verification will be prepared by the CITES Office. For this licensure application, candidates must provide

1. An official transcript (must be transcript that is sent to BYU's Committee representative in a sealed and stamped university envelope—this cannot be photocopied or given directly to the students) from any institution where they took Subsitute Courses for the endorsement, or where they received their bachelor's degree
2. A check written to "USOE—Teacher Licensure" for an amount to be determined when the endorsement is requested
3. A check written to "BYU" for an amount to be determined when the endorsement is requested
4. The candidate's current address and Social Security number

A letter verifying that the candidate has completed the necessary courses and requirements for the endorsement will be written by the CITES Office. These materials will then be sent to the USOE Licensing Division. There is usually a 14–16 week time period to process the request.

Minimum Requirements:

See the endorsement form for requirements.

For more information contact: Gerolynn Hargrove, Curriculum Coordinator, gerolynn.hargrove@schools.utah.gov

Complete the following as you apply for any Gifted and Talented Endorsement:

• Print Endorsement Form - PDF
  
• Please place the course number in the box to indicate that the minimum requirement in each area has been met.  Each box must have a course number for the requirement to be satisfied.
  
• Acceptable lines of evidence include:

• Approved professional development
• University or college course work
• Clearly demonstrates competency

• Send the letter of verification from the CITES Office, highlighted transcript, processing fee, and completed form to: