Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate Online
Arkansas State University's online Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate is a 15-credit-hour program completed in as few as 12 months through accelerated online courses (7 weeks in fall and spring, 5 weeks in summer). Built for already-licensed teachers who want to add the Gifted, Talented and Creative K-12 endorsement without completing a new master's degree, it prepares graduates to identify, assess and serve gifted learners in the classroom.
Program Overview
What does A-State's online GT&C Instructional Specialist Certificate offer?
This flexible, online Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate program will help you develop the skills to accurately identify advanced learners and address the learning modalities of gifted children. Application-focused coursework emphasizes the social needs of gifted, talented and creative learners, including theory and practice in planning educational programs for this student population.
In this program, you will learn:
- Characteristics, identification and needs of gifted, talented and creative learners
- Educational procedures and materials for the gifted, talented and creative
- Assessment and programming in the classroom
You will also complete an internship that incorporates skills in classroom organization, management, planning and teaching in a field-based setting.
This online certificate in gifted education prepares teachers to facilitate or coordinate programs for gifted, talented and creative students within Arkansas and other states. This licensure program certifies teachers for Gifted Education K-12. For state program approvals, please refer to our State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.
This program requires Watermark – Student Learning & Licensure (SL&L).
Career roles this program prepares you for:
- Gifted Education Teacher
- Gifted Intervention Specialist
- Instructional Specialist – Gifted Programs
- Enrichment Teacher
- Gifted Education Teacher
- Gifted Intervention Specialist
- Instructional Specialist – Gifted Programs
- Enrichment Teacher
Also available:
This certificate is one of several paths into gifted education leadership. If you're weighing your options, explore the related programs below:
Mentorship Program
Mentorship is a key aspect of the online certificate program that enables you to effectively apply educational theory in the classroom. The mentoring component helps you participate in collaborative activities with peers, colleagues, teachers and administrators, providing you with an opportunity to integrate your acquired skills under the guidance of an experienced literacy leader.
You are responsible for identifying a mentor with an advanced literacy degree who can support you and supervise your practicum/clinical experience. Please note, the mentor is NOT required to grade or formally assess certificate candidates.
Mentoring support includes:
- Assisting as candidates complete site-based activities (facilitating access to school sites, data archives, resources and personnel, as needed)
- Offering feedback on key candidate assessments (papers or shorter assignments) as indicated by course professors
- Documenting mentorship terms and materials (papers/assignments) as indicated by course professors
- Communicating with candidates and A-State faculty, as needed
Tuition
How much does the online GT&C Instructional Specialist Certificate cost?
Our Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate online program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.
Please note, certificate programs are not financial aid eligible.
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
When can you start the online GT&C Instructional Specialist Certificate program?
Our Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, featuring accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.
Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | 8/19/26 | 8/5/26 | 8/5/26 | 8/17/26 | 8/17/26 | 10/2/26 |
| Fall 2 | 10/12/26 | 9/28/26 | 9/28/26 | 10/8/26 | 10/9/26 | 12/4/26 |
| Spring 1 | 1/11/27 | 12/28/26 | 12/28/26 | 1/7/27 | 1/8/27 | 2/26/27 |
| Spring 2 | 3/8/27 | 3/4/27 | 2/22/27 | 3/4/27 | 3/5/27 | 4/30/27 |
Now enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?
Admissions
What are the admission requirements for the GT&C Instructional Specialist Certificate?
Students interested in this certificate program do not need any teaching experience.
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Bachelor’s degree
- Valid teaching license
- Have a Baccalaureate degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.75 on a 4.00 scale from an accredited institution
- Valid teaching certificate
- Commitment from an appropriate professional who will function as your mentor during the degree program. View acceptable mentors (PDF).
For further information concerning admissions, contact A-State Online Services at 866-881-3168, or email the Graduate Admission Coordinator.
If you have questions during that time, you can use our Self Service feature, which allows you to see when transcripts and teaching certificates reach our offices. When you receive your decision letter, it will provide instructions for enrolling yourself into the program and downloading the necessary software. If you have questions during this process, please call us at 866-621-8096.
Arkansas State University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and completion information on the programs offered by Arkansas State University, please visit www.state.tn.us/thec and click on the Authorized Institutions Data button.
While not required for admission, Teacher/Leader Effectiveness Credentials will be required prior to registering for your first course.
Submit all documents to:
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
What courses are in the GT&C Instructional Specialist Certificate curriculum?
Students in the Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate online program must complete the following five courses (15 credit hours).
You can view your schedule of courses for this certificate through the Course Smartsheet:
View the AOS Course Smartsheet
How to Use the Course Smartsheet
Built for Arkansas Educators
Arkansas State University's Instructional Specialist Gifted, Talented & Creative Certificate is designed for Arkansas-licensed teachers who seek an additional education credential or to become eligible for an additional licensure without having to complete a new master’s degree in a specialization of the education field. The program is completed entirely online in as few as 12 months, with accelerated terms that let you keep teaching while you earn the credential. For state authorization and Arkansas-specific licensure approval details, visit the State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.
FAQ
GT&C Instructional Specialist Certificate Online FAQs
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