Academically Gifted Teaching Add-on Licensure
PBTC
For application deadlines and to apply, PBTC Application Information!
GNDS
For application deadlines and to apply, GNDS Application Information!
Interested in our certificate?
Interested in Applying?
AIG Resources
CONTACT US
Academically and Intellectually Gifted Coordinator
Dr. Angela Novak
Associate Professor
Elementary Education
novaka17@ecu.edu
252-328-6649
In line with policy in the state of North Carolina, the program entails completing four courses. We welcome school support staff, families, counselors, librarians, assistants, administration, and all other interested potential undergraduate and graduate students to learn more about gifted education! Please note, however, that the add-on licensure is through NC DPI and is for actively licensed teachers only.
All of the courses required by the AIG Teaching Add-on Licensure at ECU are taught online.
Certificate Option
In response to education professionals, community members, and families wanting to learn more about gifted and talented education, but not being eligible for the DPI AIG add-on for teaching licensure, we are pleased to now offer two certificate options, one at each level (undergraduate/PBTC and graduate/GNDS)! We welcome educators, parents, administrators, counselors, librarians, community members, psychologists, and more to enroll in the certificate option that meets your needs:
Undergrad: Equity and Advocacy in Gifted and Talented Education Certificate
Graduate: Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership in Gifted and Talented Education Certificate
Learn more about the certificate
Course Work
Our AIG course series is NEW! Please note that we now have courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. Even if you already hold a BA/BS degree, you can take courses at the undergraduate level! There are a few reasons you may want to do so. First, the courses are at the undergraduate level, with differentiated coursework such as readings and assignments; if you haven’t taken a college course in a few years, this may be of interest! The tuition is different for undergraduate courses, as well. There are some important considerations, however, which may make the graduate level more appealing. Graduate courses may transfer into a graduate degree down the road. Additionally, please note that the add-on can be added to an M-level license at the graduate level, whereas the add-on from undergraduate courses can only be added to an A-level license. Before embarking on this AIG adventure with ECU, carefully consider what may be the best route for you using the chart below, and contact the AIG Coordinator with any questions.
| PBTC (Undergraduate) Add-On Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Credential | NDSG (Graduate) Add-On Non-Degree Seeking Graduate |
|---|---|
| The Courses ● Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Credential application via undergraduate admissions ● 4000 level courses ● Content is the same- required for add-on ● Challenge Level- Undergraduate ● Both an undergraduate (PBTC) Add-on (12 s.h.) and a NEW certificate option (15 s.h.) are available at the PBTC level; PBTC process will be available soon. Certificate info | The Courses ● Non-Degree Seeking Graduate application via graduate school admissions ● 6000 level courses ● Content is the same- required for add-on ● Challenge Level- Graduate ● Both a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking (GNDS) Add-on (12 s.h.) and a NEW certificate option (15 s.h.) are available through the graduate school; be sure to choose your preferred option when you apply. Certificate info |
| Financial Considerations ● Four Courses, Undergraduate Rate ● Estimated per credit hour (without fees): $205* For current costs, see the tuition page. | Financial Considerations ● Four Courses, Graduate Rate ● Estimated per credit hour (without fees): $290* *For current costs, see the tuition page. |
| Charting Your Course: Planning for the Future ● Can only be added to A-level, even if you later earn a Master’s degree/M-level license ● You don’t plan on getting a Master’s degree OR you already have a Master’s degree and you don’t need this add-on at the M-level** | Charting Your Course: Planning for the Future ● If you have, or will have, an M-level** license, can add-on to M license now or when earned ● Could potentially roll into graduate degree/transfer credit (university dependent) |
*Each program has a separate application and fee; you must decide on a route prior to applying. Applications and fees cannot be transferred.
**Why does M Level Matter? While we don’t currently have legislation for Master’s pay in NC, it may come back; licensing (not just degree earned) may be a determining factor for the qualification, depending on how the legislation is written. Individual districts within NC have reinstated Master’s pay. Please communicate with your district HR representative to determine what is required, as this is a district decision not state legislation.
Timing:
All courses are 3 credit hours. Courses are offered once a year (see reverse for descriptions and schedule.) Both PBTC and NDSG add-ons have a one-year option of taking two courses per semester and finishing in one academic year, or the two-year plan, taking one course per semester and finishing the add-on in two academic years.
The Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) teaching add-on licensure requires four courses. All courses are offered online (DE/distance education) and are 3 credit hours. The schedule below is typical/planned; course offerings are pending budget and enrollment.
- GIFT 4000/6000: Diverse Gifted and Talented Children Introduction to the nature & needs of diverse gifted & talented children for (teacher leaders // educators & leaders). Emphasizes cognitive, ethnic, cultural, economic, place, home/family, & affective characteristics of giftedness & talent. (F+, SM, R)
- sizes both the commonalities and rich cultural diversities of giftedness. (F,R)
- GIFT 4100/6100: Foundations of Gifted and Talented Education (Recommended pre-requisite: GIFT 4/6000.) Foundational, conceptual, & programmatic models of gifted & talented education, including an equity-focused historical view of the field. Assessment & identification in gifted & talented education for (teacher leaders // educators & leaders). (S+, SM, R)
- GIFT 4200/6200: Instructional Practices in Gifted and Talented Education (Recommended pre-requisite: GIFT 4/6000.) Curriculum & instruction in gifted & talented education for (teacher leaders // educators & leaders), includes curriculum models, culturally responsive teaching, & equitable differentiation practices. (F, R)
- GIFT 4300/6300: Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving in Gifted and Talented Education (Recommended pre-requisites: GIFT 4/6000, GIFT 4/6100, GIFT 4/6200.) Creativity, critical thinking, & problem solving through two lenses: strategies for teaching diverse gifted & talented learners; & communication, collaboration, & advocacy tools for the (teacher leader // educator & leader). (S, R)
- GIFT 4400/6400: Special Topics in Gifted and Talented Education: Trends in Equity and Advocacy= (take as the last course in the certificate series)(Recommended pre-requisites: GIFT 4/6000, GIFT 4/6100, GIFT 4/6200, GIFT 4/6300. May be repeated up to six s.h. with change of topic.) In-depth exploration issues & trends in diversity & equity in gifted & talented education. Topics may include international topics in gifted & talented education; critical race theory in the context of gifted & talented education; economic inequities; student & teacher identity; & twice- or thrice-exceptionality. (V-offered Fall, 2024, C)
- EDUC 6400: Critical Race Studies in Education (take as the first course in the certificate series) Exploration of the key tenets of critical race theory (CRT) as an analytical framework to study racial inequities in education & other organizational & community contexts. Focuses on the systemic forms of racism & the relationship between individual actions & institutional policies & practices. Includes an examination of the complex intersections among race, class, gender, sexual orientation, & ability. (V-offered Fall, 2024, C)
Timing: F= Fall, S= Spring, SM= Summer, V= Variable; Course offerings may vary pending budget and enrollment.
+GIFT 6000 and 6100 (graduate level) are offered as needed for students that cannot take the summer section; contact Dr. Novak to register for the graduate fall/spring sections as they may not appear on the course schedule.
Catalog Requirements: R= Required for add-on and/or certificate, C= Required for certificate at the undergraduate level; one of two choices required for certificate at the graduate level
=Special Topics in Gifted and Talented Education may be substituted for a required course for the AIG add-on based on the topic offered and the course requested. Because minimum standards/content must be met for add-on, this requires advance approval by the AIG Coordinator.
If you have any questions please contact:
Angela Novak
NovakA17@ecu.edu
Have questions? Interested in applying? Please fill out the Interest Form below!
Ready to Apply? Apply Now using the form below!
AFTER you have been admitted as a non-degree student, please email Dr. Angela Novak at novaka17@ecu.edu with your Banner ID number (a number that begins B00XXXXXX) and your ECU email address for course registration purposes. This information can be found in your self-service center or in your automated newly admitted student email you receive.
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If you are considering a degree program that may, would, could or potentially lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time ECU may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.