Super Sunday

Bridging the Gap Between PDE and CEC-NAGC: Preparing PA Teachers for Gifted Learners

Sunday, November 16, 2025

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM ET

Location: Convention Center, 304/305

Grade Level: Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Postsecondary, Professionals

Melanie Caughey (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor
University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States
LT

Leigh M. Tolley (she/her/hers)

Director, Center for Teaching & Learning
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, New York, United States

Short Description: The teacher preparation, education, and evaluation tools used by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) may not appropriately address the teaching of gifted learners in a typical classroom environment. Through exploring how PDE’s tools and professional development are aligned to the CEC-NAGC teacher preparation standards, we will address how all teachers can be inclusive toward high-ability students.

Learning Objectives:

Learn how teachers in Pennsylvania are prepared to work with gifted and/or high-ability learners.
Examine how PDE’s tools for teacher education address/mention/relate to gifted and/or high-ability learners.
Learn how to best address gifted and/or high-ability learners’ needs in a typical classroom environment.