Education of the gifted programs prepare people to work with children who have gifted abilities. Students learn to identify and teach gifted children. They also learn to create education plans to meet their needs.

Each year, the E.W. Scripps Company sponsors its annual Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. Children in eighth grade or below participate, spelling words most adults haven't even heard of! The spelling bee has gotten so popular that ESPN offers live coverage. What's more, a movie, "Spellbound," was recently released that documented the experience of being in the contest.

Many of the students who do well in the spelling bee are "gifted" or "highly able learners." This means that they are advanced beyond their age in intelligence. Kids in this category have special educational needs. Many people think that kids who are able to solve calculus problems at age eleven must be also be able to solve adult emotional problems. Yet, gifted and talented kids are still that – kids.

In gifted education programs, you take courses that teach you how to develop curriculum and plan classes. You study the specific needs of gifted and talented children. This includes developing challenging materials as well as dealing with emotional issues. You also learn how to use creativity and technology in the classroom.

The most common way to become a gifted education teacher is to get a master's degree after you finish your bachelor's degree. In a few cases, you can concentrate on gifted education while getting your general education degree and teaching license during your undergraduate studies. About 30 schools offer education of the gifted programs.

Bachelor's degrees typically take four to five years to complete. Master's programs usually take two years to complete after your finish your bachelor's. Doctorate degrees usually take three to five years after the master's.