24-25 Elementary Gifted and Talented Specialist Grades K-5

PRIMARY PURPOSE :

Collaborate with classroom educators to design differentiated learning experiences to be facilitated by classroom educators or implemented in a co-teach setting.

Provide learners identified gifted and talented with accelerated instruction in content areas of strength as appropriate.

Provide research-based interventions to address learner’s specific academic, social and emotional needs so they might fulfill their potential and develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for subject and level assigned
• Gifted and Talented Supplemental Certification
• ESL certification required

Special Knowledge / Skills :

• Knowledge of the TEKS K-5
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Solid foundation in inquiry-based instructional strategies
• Ability to engage and customize for learners
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to coach classroom educators and design and lead professional learning

EXPERIENCE :

Completion of student teaching or approved internship

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Instructional Strategies

Design learning with classroom educators that meets the academic needs of elementary gifted and talented learners at various tiers of service.

Show written evidence of preparation as required.

• Prepare learning that reflects accommodations for differences in student learning styles, readiness, and interest.
• Assess student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities.
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of learners assigned.
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board policies, and administration regulations.
• Work cooperatively with special education educators to modify curricula as needed for learners receiving special education services according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Collaborate with staff members to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
• Demonstrate competency in processes, applications, concepts, and sequencing of TEKS Kindergarten-5th grade.
• Plans and designs learning following the district-adopted teaching models.
• Plan and supervise assignments of teacher assistant(s) and volunteer(s).
• Apply principles of effective instructional practices.
• Embed formative and summative assessments into learning design.
• Seamlessly integrate authentic use of technology into learning design.

Learner Growth and Development

• Provide guidance to learners relative to their educational, personal, and social growth, and development.
• Identify and provide assistance for learners with special needs.
• Help learners analyze and improve study methods and habits.
• Assist learners in setting academic, personal and social goals and create action plans in order to achieve those goals.
• Assess learner achievement through ongoing formal and informal testing.
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
• Be a positive role model for learners, and support the mission of the campus and of the school district.

Assessment and Instructional Placement

• Administer a variety of assessments and inventories to measure ability, achievement, creativity, and leadership.
• Utilize multiple qualitative and quantitative data points in order to assist the GTC in determining the need for gifted and talented interventions.
• Facilitate the Gifted and Talented Committee (GTC)

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of learners.
• Manage learner behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect learners, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication and positive working relationships by conducting conferences with learners, educators, administrators, and parents.
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, learners, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Personal Qualities

• Embrace constructivist learning design philosophy.
• Operate with a growth mindset.
• Model innovative and flexible learning design using creative and critical thinking.
• Set an example of and encourage socially acceptable behavior in the areas of appearance, correct usage of speech, and manners.
• Display emotional maturity in contacts with learners, parents, staff, and community.
• Possess physical competency necessary for performance of assignments.
• Maintain a positive attitude in working with learners, parents, staff, and the community.

Professional Growth and Development

• Design and lead professional learning activities to build capacity and meet the needs of gifted and talented learners.
• Coach classroom educators in instructional design and implementation.
• Participate in professional learning opportunities to improve job-related skills and increase knowledge of best practices in gifted education.
• Maintain the state required minimum 6 hour Gifted and Talented Professional Learning Yearly Update.

Other

• Adhere to the principles as listed in the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Keep informed of, and comply with, state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom educators.
• Display dependability and punctuality in all assigned duties.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulations.
• Emphasize the importance of respect for school equipment, materials, and property.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

Supervise assigned teacher assistant(s).

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.

START DATE : 08 / 05 / 2024