Considerations for Professional Learning Supporting Teachers of the Gifted in Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) requires that the teacher understands and applies not only knowledge about content, and not only knowledge about teaching strategies, but an intersection of the two. This article provides professional learning considerations for supporting teachers’ PCK and skills with gifted and high-potential students. These considerations are presented through the lens of the professional learning literature, the recent global principles of professional learning established by the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, and the talent development paradigm. Two questions are addressed including: What is high-quality professional learning and how does it differ for educators of gifted learners? What needs to be emphasized when planning professional learning for supporting teachers’ PCK? The importance of strengthening teachers’ understanding of specific content knowledge and how to teach it through differentiated professional learning experiences using preassessments and then evaluating the effectiveness of those experiences are key for improving student results. Ongoing administrative support needs to be provided to teachers applying differentiated curricular and instructional approaches with gifted students.