Vanderbilt Gifted Education Institute
PTY is committed to planning quality and accelerated classes for students virtually and in person.
We will continue online opportunities this fall and winter or until such time in-person services can resume. If you are interested in academic programs this fall and winter, check out our online opportunities. Offerings include one month accelerated classes for 3rd through 11th grade students as well as intensive 6-month mentorship experiences for students in 10th-12th grade.
PTY has also already started making initial plans for Summer 2021. We plan to offer a variety of online opportunities and experiences this upcoming summer. PTY will make a determination about on-campus day and residential experiences for Summer 2021 by mid-January. At this time, the website will be updated with important information and key dates.
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth is pleased to offer professional development opportunities designed to help educators better serve and support high-ability students. Known collectively as the Vanderbilt Gifted Education Institute, we endeavor to develop those who work with them throughout the academic year and summer.
Jump to: Winter 2021 Online | Spring 2021 Conference | Summer 2021 Employment Standard | Other Resources
Winter 2021 Live Online PD Opportunities
Thinking Like An Expert: A Live Online PD Series 
How do you help your academically advanced students think like experts? Learn models vetted by content experts and review examples of field tested units designed through Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth.
Check back soon for dates and times of this special online PD Series!
Fall and Spring Professional Development Opportunities
Each fall and spring, PTY’s Gifted Education Institute hosts on-campus learning opportunities for educators and administrators from schools and districts across the country. Mark your calendar for our upcoming spring conference.
Spring 2021 Conference
More information, including registration options, coming soon!
Summer Professional Development Opportunities
Best Practices in Identifying and Teaching the Gifted Learner: Tennessee Employment Standard 2021
Join us for this exciting educational experience that explores ways to identify gifted learners and differentiate instruction for them.
In this intensive training you will engage in a variety of learning experiences such as projects, discussions, lectures, modeling, and collaboration with other education professionals.
Topics discussed include the following:
- Misconceptions and myths about gifted students
- Conceptions and characteristics of giftedness
- Identification and assessment of gifted students, including those typically underrepresented in gifted programs
- Working with special populations of gifted students
- Social and emotional development of the gifted child
- Evidence supported instructional strategies for working with gifted students in a variety of settings
- Selecting and evaluating curriculum resources
Dates, Times, and Learning Options Coming Soon!
Other Resources for Educators and Families
We view our mission at PTY as supporting students and families in developing their talents. We recognize that many families and teachers are figuring out how to help their young students operate in an online learning environment. In an effort to connect you with resources during this time, we would like to share that the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) has created a website for families and educators that includes parent tip sheets regarding how to talk to your child about COVID-19, teaching in an online learning setting, and links to student activities and virtual learning options. In addition, PTY has taken modified select lessons from our field-tested and published curriculum for your use at home.