The influence of preservice education and professional development in mathematics Teachers' attitudes toward nurturing creativity and supporting the gifted

Establishing an environment for nurturing creativity and supporting the gifted in mathematics from early levels of education is essential for any nation to be more productive and effective in leading scientific development. Such effective practices in schools are affected by teachers' attitudes; This study investigated mathematics teachers’ attitudes toward creativity and gifted support in U.S. public schools, and further emphasized preservice education and professional development (PEPD) as a possible factor influencing teachers' attitudes. A questionnaire was used to understand teachers' attitudes and to uncover the possible influence of relevant PEPD. Findings showed that PEPD is a significant factor positively contributes to the variance in teachers’ attitudes; about 10% of variance in teachers’ attitudes was uniquely accounted for by PEPD. This finding highlights the importance of preservice education and professional development. As such, effective preparations courses and professional learning opportunities about creativity and gifted education are recommended to be accessible for all teachers.