Position statement on teachers of the gifted and talented in Malta

Abstract

The educational discourse in recent years in Malta has been on improving student learning outcomes by supporting the teaching profession through the development of various educational initiatives. While more attention, time and resources have been geared towards struggling students, little attention has been paid to gifted and talented students, something which could hinder them from developing their full potential. Teaching gifted and talented students requires special training, yet most practicing teachers in Malta have not been trained to teach gifted and talented students. The aim of this position statement is twofold. First, it calls for an increase in the quality of teacher training in gifted and talented education for practicing teachers within the Maltese context; and, second, it makes propositions for teacher training programmes and qualifications for teachers in the field.