2024/25 Gifted Specialist - Desert Cove ES

Gifted Specialist

Location: Desert Cove Elementary School

FTE: 1.0

Non-Interim Position

Dates: 7/26/2024 - 5/23/2025

Purpose Statement

The job of Gifted Specialist is to provide instruction to gifted students in grades 4-6 in Mathematics and Language Arts, and provide assistance and training to gifted cluster teachers at the site with specific responsibility for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction with established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, an administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

This job reports to Site Administrator and Director of Gifted Education

Essential Functions

Provide instruction to gifted identified students in grades 4-6 in Mathematics and Language Arts

Work with Director of Gifted Education to support the goals of the Gifted Education Department.

Attend Gifted Specialist inservices.

Oversee nomination for gifted testing at school level.

Preside over the monthly gifted cluster teacher meetings.

Provide staff development opportunities at the school level.

Attend district staff development opportunities as related to gifted education.

Gather data for program evaluation purposes.

Administers subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.

Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student’s achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.

Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.

Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall qualify of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement pan.

Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, heath status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.

Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.

Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning within established lesson plans.

Facilitates student learning for the purpose of achieving success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through defined lesson plans.

Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academics through a defined course of study.

Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.

Organizes age appropriate indoor and outdoor activities for the purpose of ensuring student participation in learning activities.

Participates on PLC team for the purpose of reviewing data and instructional practices.

Participates 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.

Participates in a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress  and meeting mandated requirements.

Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.

Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Responds 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.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning or the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade stills in order to meet changing job descriptions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; teaching Arizona State recognized standards; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies requires to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral manage strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; ad use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing.  The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience:      Minimum two years experience teaching gifted students (pull-out,                                    cluster, or self-contained)

                           Knowledge in the areas of Mathematics and Reading standards-based                              content

Education:       Bachelors degree in job-related area

Equivalency:

Required Testing                            Certificates and Licenses

                                                   Arizona Teacher Certificate

                                                                Arizona Gifted Endorsement

                                                                SEI Endorsement Required

Continuing Educ./Training                Clearances

                                                   Criminal Background Clearance

                                                                Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance                                                                         Card

FLSA Status - Exempt

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.