Program Outcomes | Meet Our Advising Team | Curriculum | Admissions, Cost & Aid
High Ability Learner Endorsement
This program may be completed as a stand-alone endorsement or through the Master of Education in Leadership, Teaching, and Learning program.
Why Earn Your High Ability Learner Endorsement?
Students gain the skills and confidence to teach all levels of the classroom and across the spectrum of abilities to promote the success and well-being of every learner. Students earn 18 credit hours at the graduate level through this 12-month fully online program and are quickly prepared for leadership roles in HAL. Many districts require HAL endorsed educators and support their growth.
Standalone High Ability Learner Endorsement
18
Credit
Hours + 90 Practicum Hours*
1
Year
(Average)
Next Start Date:
May 22, 2024
Application Deadline:
May 1, 2024
MEd Program + High Ability Learner Endorsement
36-39
Credit
Hours**
2
Years
(Average)
Next Start Date:
August 28, 2023
Application Deadline:
August 1, 2023
Class Type: 100% Online, 8-week courses | Transfer Credits: Transfer up to 40% of the degree total
*This program is 39 credit hours if paired with an MEd
**Number of credit hours depends on the Area of Emphasis
Meet Our Advising Team
Our advising and admissions team at Midland University is a valuable resource to students who have questions about their program, school schedule, or even what books to purchase for next semester.

Brianna Ward
Program Advisor
Email Address: ward@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-720-5502
Program Outcomes
- Understand and implement strategies and procedures to identify high-ability learners
- Be able to guide all high-ability learners, including those with complex learning situations like dual-language, twice-exceptional, at-risk and underachieving
- Design complex cognitive learning experiences for high-ability learners
- Support the professional development of other HAL educators in your school
- 90 clinical hours with experience in primary and secondary settings
Curriculum & Learning Environment
Designed around a teacher’s demanding schedule, the HAL endorsement program can be completed 100% online with asynchronous coursework throughout. With the help of this program, students can immediately apply what they are learning to their profession each day because of our flexible online class structure.
Throughout the 12-month, fully online program, students will complete five courses (18 credits) and 90 + practicum hours*. Classes begin five times throughout the year and students can choose to start courses in August, January, December, March, or June of each year. Our program modules run from Monday through Sunday, with the bulk of assignments due on Sunday to allow teachers to plan around their demanding work schedules.
Coursework
View the academic catalog for a complete list of courses for the HAL Endorsement. Please note: Midland does allow students to transfer previous graduate-level HAL coursework into this program. Connect with an advisor to discuss any previous coursework completed to see if it may transfer.
View the Academic CatalogExperienced Faculty
With multiple years of combined K-12 teaching and leadership experience, our HAL faculty challenge student thinking, and allow students to share authentic experiences to enrich learning, and strengthen the quality and meaning of online discussions and assignments.
Students will gain content knowledge from the faculty members with years of valuable experience across multiple districts.
Meet Our FacultyPracticum Experience
In Midland’s High Ability Learner endorsement program, candidates will gain clinical experience in a Gifted and Talented setting at both the elementary and secondary levels.
With the help of this experience, students will learn to demonstrate, reflect, and evaluate their proficiency in many of the program outcomes. Students will also be involved in a book study and strengthen their understanding of high-ability learners through an in-depth study.
Please note: Endorsements offered at the graduate level are based on the Rule 24 Standards for the State of Nebraska. Nebraska endorsements may or may not be eligible to be added to out-of-state teaching certificates. Teachers seeking to add an endorsement to their out-of-state teaching certificate must consult with their state’s Department of Education to confirm endorsement and certification requirements in their state.
Already taken some HAL courses?
Midland does allow students to transfer previous graduate-level HAL coursework into this program. Connect with an advisor to discuss any previous coursework completed to see if it may transfer.
Admissions
To apply to our HAL program, students must begin the process by filling out our online application and creating an account on our admissions portal.
Please, note: If you are seeking just an endorsement, please fill out a non-degree seeking application. If you are an MEd applicant, please complete the graduate application.
For more admissions information, visit our admissions page.
Learn More About AdmissionsCost & Aid
We understand that the decision to earn a graduate-level endorsement represents a serious investment of time and money. The program offers an invaluable experience for practicing educators, and it is an investment that will provide significant returns for the rest of your teaching career. That said, there are plenty of ways to fund your higher education!
Not sure if you can afford to get your endorsement, right now? See what Midland University has to offer! You may qualify for one of our educational scholarships, sponsorships, or grants.
Learn More About Cost & Aid