JOB TITLE:
Teacher: Gifted & Talented Specialist
WAGE/HOUR STATUS:
Exempt
REPORTS TO:
Principal
DEPT./SCHOOL:
Home Campus
DATE REVISED:
March 2025
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
EC-4 or EC-6 Generalist Certification
Bachelor's Degree from accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate, with required endorsements for subject/level assigned
ESL Certification is required within twelve months of employment for K-5 General Education, 6-12 English Language Arts Reading (ELAR), and Special Education (SPED) ACL Teachers.
30 hour GT foundation training completed
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Strong STEM related subject knowledge
Knowledge of subjects assigned
General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
Three years of teaching experience (with GT students preferred)
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Use strategies and activities which result in:
- increased student performance in content area and on standardized assessments specific to the subject taught
- increased student success in meeting campus performance objectives addressing each of the Academic Excellence Indicators
- Develop and implement plans for the curriculum program assigned and show written
- evidence of preparation as required and meet the needs of students.
- Push into Gifted and Talented clustered classrooms to support integrated differentiated instruction.
- Utilize approved district co-teach models with the general education classroom teacher in support of integrating differentiated instruction.
- Prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual student differences.
- Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations independently and in collaboration with the clustered classroom teacher.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional/learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
- Communicate and promote expectations for high level performance from students and recognize excellence in achievement.
- Develop instructional activities, which incorporate appropriate student learning styles to meet student needs.
- Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established by Individual Education Plans.
- Communicate and interacts with students, parents, staff, and community in a positive manner.
- Cooperate with other members of the staff in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for instructional assistants, and/or volunteers.
- Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
- Consistently assess student achievement through formal and informal testing and provide progress and interim reports as needed and required.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
- Coordinate UIL events for the campus.
- Participate in GT Placement meetings.
- Participate in and be knowledgeable of providing Gifted and Talented (GT) assessments for students recommended for GT.
- Present for students a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.
- Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Manage student behavior and administer discipline according to board policies, administrative regulations, and the IEP through the implementation of a proactive and positive classroom management plan.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials as requested.
- Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.
- Schedule and conduct parent conferences with parents of GT students.
- Notify parents about results of GT testing and placements as appropriate.
- Participate in campus and district staff development program.
- Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences and/or advanced courses at institutes of higher learning.
- Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.
- Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
- Follow district and campus policy in assignment of meaningful homework, which supports curriculum goals and objectives.
- Follow district and/or campus grading policy in the assignment of grades.
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings, department meetings, and committee meetings as required.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Principal and/or Assistant Principal and in collaboration with the SMCISD director that oversees Gifted and Talented programming.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise assigned instructional assistants, aides, and/or classroom volunteers. Assist in the supervision of assigned student teachers.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate (verbal and written); ability to instruct; ability to interpret policy and procedures; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Work inside and outside; prolonged standing and walking; lifting and carrying; in-district travel as assigned and occasional out-of-district travel.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.