Master's in Gifted Education and Talent Development

Western Kentucky University (WKU) has evolved into a vibrant institution that blends tradition with a forward-thinking approach to education. The university is renowned for its commitment to student success, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. WKU's faculty, comprised of dedicated scholars, fosters an engaging learning environment, encouraging students to explore, question, and innovate. One of WKU's notable features is its strong emphasis on hands-on learning experiences. The university provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and community service, preparing them for the challenges of the professional world. With a campus known for its welcoming atmosphere and a student body that reflects diversity, WKU is more than an academic institution; it's a community that nurtures intellectual growth, fosters leadership skills, and instills a lifelong love for learning.

The MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development offers two concentrations, Advanced Certification for Teacher Leaders and Advanced Research Focus. The Advanced Certification for Teacher Leaders concentration of the MAE in Gifted Education and Talent Development is designed to develop advanced certification for teachers who can positively impact student learning in their classrooms and schools with all children and young people, including those who are gifted and talented. Courses and experiences include professional learning communities in which students interact with other graduate students from various content areas and grade levels to discuss and work on real-world challenges and promising practices they encounter in schools. Candidates who complete the MAE will be eligible for a recommendation for Rank II and both the Gifted and Talented Education (KE37) and Teacher Leader (KTLE) endorsements. Individuals holding a Rank II will be eligible for a Rank I with both the Gifted and Talented Education (KE37) and Teacher Leader (KTLE) endorsements. Educators pursuing the advanced certification for teacher leader concentration may be completing the graduate program to continue in a teaching position or to become a curriculum coordinator. Counselors, principals, librarians, and other specialized teachers will enhance their knowledge and skills in a concentration that leads to Rank II or a Rank I if candidates already hold a Rank II certification and the gifted education endorsement.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a dynamic educational hub renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Boasting a rich history since its establishment, WKU stands out for its diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with a transformative educational experience. The university is particularly distinguished by its hands-on learning initiatives, encouraging students to actively engage in research, internships, and community service. With a welcoming campus and a vibrant student community, WKU not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates an environment that nurtures critical thinking, leadership skills, and a passion for lifelong learning.