Abstract: The article deals with the problem of pedagogical talent as a promising area of ​​research in modern foreign pedagogical psychology. It is noted that at present a teacher is recognized as one of the key subjects of the educational process, and the requirements for him include the formation of those views, personality traits, competencies and patterns of behavior with which he would successfully function in changing conditions and solve pedagogical problems of a new type. It is shown that in the Russian psychological-pedagogical literature the problems of pedagogical talent are not sufficiently represented, so there is a need to refer to the results of foreign studies. The goal is to present and analyze foreign psychological approaches to the study of pedagogical talent. Foreign studies on the problem of pedagogical talent are divided into the following: the definition, characteristics and role of pedagogical talent in pedagogical activity; identification of pedagogical talent and its features; technologies of management and development of pedagogical talent. Based on the theoretical analysis of the works, conclusions are drawn about the insufficient conceptual understanding of the phenomenon of pedagogical talent, the definition of pedagogical talent through other personal and professional characteristics of the teacher, the dominance of the competence-based approach in studying this problem, the reliance of researchers on approaches from the field of organizational psychology and labor psychology. The importance of studying modern foreign research for setting topical theoretical and applied problems in the field of educational psychology is substantiated.

Abstract: This article discusses the problematic of pedagogical competencies. The author underlines a current demand for studying the key pedagogical competencies due to the transformation of education system and requirements imposed on the pedagogues. The domestic psychological traditions of studying pedagogical competencies are well-known (B. M. Teplov, F. N. Gonobolin, V. A. Krutetsky, N. V. Kuzmina, A. K. Markova, L. M. Mitina, etc.), but currently the Russian and foreign scientific approaches, as well as educational systems converge and its successful implementation requires universal pedagogical activity, skills, and competencies. The focus of foreign research include consideration of the main requirements to a pedagogue and basic pedagogical competencies, with emphasis on such qualities and competencies that pertain not to implementation of pedagogical activity, but rather maintenance and stimulation of effectiveness of the process and performance. Such competencies include pedagogical creativity, reflection, and metacognitive skills. The author also covers the question of the development of own skills by the pedagogue. The conclusion is made that the modern pedagogical reality not substantive competencies and skills, but rather systemic that would control and manage the pedagogical process itself.