Date of Award

Summer 2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Susan K. Stanley

Second Advisor

Dr. Janet L. Deck

Third Advisor

Dr. Lisa A. Coscia

Abstract

Students who are gifted are often pulled in a variety of career directions because of their tendency to have many interests and passions. This study was designed to better understand the experience of adults who are gifted and their career choice. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore what career paths adults who are gifted follow, specifically whether they choose to work in the education field or not. This phenomenological study explored four main themes in an individual who is graduated from a gifted education program’s life: Gifted Program Experience, Career and Interests, Family Influence, and Social Emotional. The themes were derived from reoccurring ideas and categories from the interviews of 20 adults, over the age of 18, who graduated from a gifted education program. This study was based on Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. Results from the study revealed participant interest or participation in nontraditional teaching or education in their chosen professional field. The results of this study could illuminate the interests and intent of individuals who are gifted and their career choices.

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