Primary Purpose:

The primary role of the Gifted and Talented (G/T) teacher is to work directly with students, parents, and teachers to provide G/T services aligned to state, district and program requirements.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or in progress preferred
• Valid Texas teaching certificate
• Texas Gifted and Talented Supplemental certification required within one year of beginning service as the Gifted/Talented Program Teacher 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to advocate for, motivate, and engage youth
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with all stakeholders
• Ability to interpret data and coordinate acceleration and intervention 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to problem solve and to prioritize 
• Self-starter, flexible, able to adapt and adjust quickly 
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Deep understanding of the characteristics of gifted and talented students 
• Broad knowledge of instructional strategies that address the academic needs of gifted and talented and high achieving students
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Microsoft Office, office equipment (e.g., computer, copier) 
• Bilingual Preferred

Experience:

• Minimum four years of experience with youth 
• Experience in teacher and/or collaborating with instructor 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and implement action plans that fulfill district and state requirements for G/T students.
• Develop lessons within and across disciplines that nurture social/emotional development and creative and critical thinking for the cognitive, affective and physical development of gifted students. 
• Use appropriate instructional strategies, materials, technology, and experiences to support personalized learning for G/T students.
• Assess student interests, learning styles and expression styles to plan instructional activities.
• Adapt the instructional environment for each gifted and talented student, including flexible grouping, choice, expression, and multiple modalities of learning.
• Collaborate with colleagues to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods aligned to district requirements.
• Assist students in analyzing and improving strategies and habits aligned to college and career readiness.
• Coordinate and support extracurricular/enrichment activities approved by the district.
• Assist in the selection of assessment and instructional materials.
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication by effectively presenting information to all stakeholders and conducting conferences with students, parents, principals and teachers.
• Attend and participate in job-related meetings and committees.
• Collaborate with teachers to promote innovative, responsive, differentiated instruction that develops the potential of gifted students clustered in general education classrooms.
• Facilitate small-group learning for G/T students at elementary campuses.
• Support G/T students in completing the Texas Performance Standards Projects.
• Analyze data relative to G/T students’ placement, instructional needs, and academic supports and communicate progress to teachers, parents, students, and supervisor. 
• Support the G/T referral and identification process and collaborate with campuses to identify gifted students from underrepresented populations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

School/Organizational Improvement

• Plan and facilitate districtwide professional learning and model best practices that support differentiated instruction for G/T and high ability students. 
• Inform faculty and staff of professional learning opportunities.
• Meet all state and district deadlines related to gifted and talented students and services.
• Assist faculty and staff with responses to parent and community inquiries.
• Be a positive role model for students
• Support the district’s mission and goals.

Student Management

• Maintain G/T records for each student assessed for G/T services, including transfer students.

• Compile, maintain, and securely file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Professional Growth and Development

• Pursue professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Network with national, state, and regional G/T educators.
• Stay abreast of district, state and federal guidelines regarding gifted and talented education.
• Attend local, regional, and state meetings and conferences and implement best practices.

School or Community Relations

• Serve as a liaison between campuses and the Advanced Academics Department.
• Employ organizational and time-management skills to effectively serve more than one campus.
• Use appropriate, ongoing, and effective communication to encourage and facilitate parent and community engagement (e.g., meetings, conferences, print materials, student showcases, and family awareness activities).

Professionalism and Ethics

• Maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with all colleagues, students, parents, and community members.

• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. 
• Adhere to ethical standards of the S.B.E.C. State of Texas Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, as well as guidelines established by board policies, and administrative regulations.

Working Conditions

Maintain emotional control under stress; occasional travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; work calendar that accommodates summer programming. 

This is a contracted position.