Gifted Education, PreK-12

Endorsement Information

Overview: The Gifted, PreK-12 Endorsement authorizes the holder to teach gifted students within the grade range and subject area of the prerequisite certificate. This endorsement is required for all district teachers who have primary responsibility for teaching gifted pupils. Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code: R7-2-607, R7-2-615, and R7-2-621.

Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate/license that is in good standing, follow this link for information and steps to apply under reciprocity.

A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.

  • Prerequisite Certificate: You hold a valid Arizona International or Standard Professional Teaching Certificate.
  • Application: A completed Application for Certification. 
  • Fee: The fee for this endorsement is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable. 
  • AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
  • Official Transcripts (if applicable): Official transcripts documenting all applicable coursework.
    • Note: If you completed your degree and applicable coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the "Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation" list.
  • Verification of Training (if applicable): A letter (on official letterhead) from a public-school superintendent or personnel director verifying completion of the required clock hours of gifted training.

The Provisional Gifted, PreK-12 Endorsement is valid for 3 years and is not renewable. The requirements are: 

  • Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona International or Standard Professional Teaching certificate; -AND-
  • One of the following:
    • Option A - Coursework: Completion of six semester hours of courses in gifted education; -OR-
    • Option B - In-Service Training: Verification from a public school superintendent or personnel director that the applicant completed a minimum of 90 clock hours of training in gifted education, or the equivalent through competency-based credentials, that are aligned to the Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education adopted by the National Association for Gifted Children and the Council for Exceptional Children.

The full gifted, prek-12 endorsement is automatically renewed with the certificate on which it is posted. The requirements are:

  • Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona International or Standard Professional Teaching certificate; -AND-
  • Option A or B:
    • Option A - In-Service Training: Verification from a public-school superintendent or personnel director that the applicant completed a minimum of 180 clock hours of in-service training in gifted education, or the equivalent through competency-based credentials, that are aligned to the Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education adopted by the National Association for Gifted Children and the Council for Exceptional Children; -OR-
    • Option B - Coursework: Completion of 12 semester hours of courses in gifted education.  No more than six semester hours of courses in gifted education may be obtained through completion of in-service training that is aligned to the Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted and Talented Education adopted by the National Association for Gifted Children and the Council for Exceptional Children. Fifteen clock hours of in-service training is equivalent to one semester hour. In service hours shall be verified by the public school superintendent or personnel director.

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

  • Official Transcripts: Transcripts uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
    • Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected].
    • Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490,  Phoenix, AZ  85005-6490.
    • Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
  • Verification of In-Service Training: Verification of in-service training should be on official letterhead, signed by the superintendent or personnel director, and emailed directly by the school/district to [email protected] .

Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant

  • AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card. 

Ready to apply - click here for step-by-step directions 

 

Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.