The Importance of Teachers

• 73% of teachers agreed that, “Too often, the brightest students are bored and under-challenged in school – we’re not giving them a sufficient chance to thrive.” ¹

• Top three ways gifted students receive services: Resource Room, Cluster Classroom, Regular Classroom ²

• Just one state requires preservice training in GT for general education teachers ²

Every school and district should have an expert in gifted education available to provide services and advise colleagues.  But 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 high-ability and in how to respond 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 NAGC says all teachers should have.

Learn more about teacher preparation and programming standards in gifted education

Read the Do's and Don'ts of good gifted education.

¹NAGC and CDGP (2013). 2012-2013 State of the states in gifted education. Washington, DC: Author.

²Farkas, S., & Duffett, A. (2008). High-achieving students in the era of NCLB: Results from a national teacher survey. Washington, DC: Thomas B. Fordham Institute.