Gifted Specialist (.5 FTE Hopi ES and .5 Cherokee ES)

Position Objective

The role of the Gifted Specialist is two-fold. The Specialist serves as the content replacement teacher for the identified gifted learners in 3rd–5th grade for Math and 4th–5th grade for Reading. Additionally, the specialist provides guidance and support to the cluster and regular classroom teachers on the campus as well as supports with differentiated learning opportunities as needed.

Responsibilities

• Possess a deep understanding of learning theory, including the ability to articulate the unique characteristics of gifted children, their social-emotional needs, and the importance of fostering creativity to maximize student talent development.
• Demonstrate exemplary classroom instruction using gifted teaching strategies.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of differentiation strategies and be able to communicate and model these strategies in all content areas.
• Possess a growth mindset and communicate that 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.
• Understand basic instructional coaching principles.
• 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 community resources to improve overall student outcomes and support the school improvement plan.
• Counsel students to improve performance, health status, problem-solving techniques, and address personal issues.
• Demonstrate pedagogical approaches that engage learners and provide an effective program addressing individual student requirements.
• Participate in a variety of meetings (e.g., staff, district, IEPs, 504s) to convey and/or gather required information.
• Respond to inquiries from teachers, parents, administrators, and others to resolve issues, provide information, and/or direction.
• Work under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; utilization of resources from other work units is often required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a job-related area.
• Minimum two years of 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 the Arizona 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, facilitate group discussions, and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge of appropriate codes, policies, regulations, and laws; age-appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies.

Skills

• Perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills to meet changing job requirements.
• Apply assessment instruments; operate standard office equipment and pertinent software applications; teach Arizona State-recognized standards; prepare and maintain accurate records.

Ability

• Schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and classify data; use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data using defined but different processes; operate equipment using standardized methods.
• Work with a diversity of individuals and groups; utilize specific, job-related equipment.
• Problem-solving to analyze issues and create action plans; independent interpretation of guidelines; moderate problem-solving with equipment.
• Establish and maintain constructive relationships; adapt to changing work priorities; maintain confidentiality; exhibit tact and patience; work flexible hours.

Physical Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium Work: Exerting 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.