2026-2027 1.0 FTE Gifted Specialist (.5 FTE Hopi ES and .5 Cherokee ES)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Possess a deep understanding of learning theory.
• Articulate an understanding of the unique characteristics of gifted children, the social emotional needs of gifted learners, and the importance of fostering creativity to maximize student talent development.
• Demonstrate exemplary classroom instruction, utilizing gifted teaching strategies.
• Show a strong understanding of differentiation strategies and be able to communicate and model these strategies in all content areas.
• Have a growth mindset and communicate a forward-thinking approach in all aspects of coaching.
• Demonstrate self-motivation to advocate for gifted learners and their teachers by pursuing opportunities to initiate coaching.
• Develop differentiated curriculum to meet student needs.
• Coach teachers in the development of appropriate and authentic assessment activities to support differentiated and integrated approaches.
• Collaborate with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsel students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem-solving techniques, and a variety of personal issues.
• Engage learners to provide an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Participate in a variety of meetings (e.g., staff, district, IEPs, 504s, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Respond to inquiries for a variety of sources (e.g., other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information, and/or direction.
• Work under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in job-related area.
• Minimum two years experience teaching gifted students (pull-out, cluster, or self-contained).
• Experience using data-driven decision-making to improve classroom instruction.
• Training and experience in instructional strategies and planning in Grades 6-8.

Licensing Requirements

• Standard Professional Elementary, K-8 certificate from AZ. Department of Education with Gifted and SEI endorsements.
• Valid IVP fingerprint clearance card from the Department of Public Safety.

Knowledge

• Read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions.
• Analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Apply assessment instruments.
• Operate standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications.
• Teach Arizona State recognized standards.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.

Skills

• Perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job descriptions.
• Apply assessment instruments.
• Operate standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications.
• Teach Arizona State recognized standards.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.

Ability

• Schedule activities, meetings, and/or events.
• Gather, collate, and/or classify data, and use job-related equipment.
• Work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups.
• Operate equipment using standardized methods.
• Establish and maintain constructive relationships.
• Adapt to changing work priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Exhibit tact and patience.
• Work flexible hours.

Physical Requirements

• Reach, stand, walk, finger dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, see, and repeat motions.
• Medium Work: Exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.