Teacher - Gifted and Talented - Taft Elementary School

Job Summary

Mesa Public Schools is recognized as a Best Employer and Best Place to Work by Forbes and the East Valley Tribune, respectively. The school district offers a competitive salary of $55,886.00 annually, benefits including sick leave, holidays, retirement, health, and life insurance, and performance pay available annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of advanced subject matter, instructional strategies, and resources appropriate for gifted learners.
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques to facilitate learning in a pullout classroom setting.
• Considers the individual learning needs, abilities, and social-emotional characteristics of gifted students, as well as school and district goals, in the preparation and implementation of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Plans and delivers differentiated, in-depth learning experiences that incorporate higher-level thinking, creativity, and real-world applications.
• Uses available technology and instructional media to enhance student learning experiences.
• Continuously and accurately collects and analyzes student learning data to inform instructional decisions and support student growth.
• Establishes, supports, and maintains a positive and appropriate learning environment that fosters intellectual risk-taking and independence.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, school staff, and district personnel; communicates effectively regarding student progress, gifted characteristics, and services.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers, coaches, and administrators to support differentiation, enrichment, and gifted programming across assigned campuses.
• Supports the identification of gifted students, including organizing, administering, and communicating assessment processes and results in accordance with district procedures.
• Works with school personnel and families to support the academic and social-emotional development of gifted learners.
• Maintains accurate student records related to achievement, participation, and identification.
• Participates in professional learning and collaborates with colleagues to improve instructional practices and gifted services.
• Takes an active role in supporting school and district goals and initiatives.
• Affords assistance with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certification
• Prior teaching experience
• Associate teacher, student teaching, or practicum experience

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise
• Knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Effectively communicates (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible
• Appropriately communicates and interacts with other staff in academic planning and school committee work
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees
• Commitment to continuous professional growth

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This position will require some travel during the week.
• Traditional setup with desks, whiteboards, and digital tools like projectors or interactive televisions.
• Teachers may supervise students in hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces.
• Normal 8-hour workday except parent-teacher conferences, professional development, and extracurricular activities may extend work hours.
• Engaging with diverse students, managing classroom behavior, and addressing learning differences.
• May need to lift books, teaching materials, and classroom supplies (usually under 20 lbs. but sometimes more).