Instructional Specialist - Advanced Academics (K-12)

Postsecondary Partnerships - Instructional Specialist - Advanced Academics (K-12)

Instructional Specialist - Advanced Academics (K-12)

Postsecondary Partnerships

Teacher/Professional - District Office - Instructional Specialist

Job Number 0000765374

Start Date

Open Date 08/13/2026

Closing Date

ROLE AND PURPOSE:

The primary role of the Advanced Academics Instructional Specialist will be to work directly with the Director of Postsecondary Readiness, district departments, and other curriculum and instruction staff to develop and implement departmental programming by providing vision, leadership and expertise in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of advanced academics programs. Areas of focus include curriculum design, assessment development, campus implementation support, professional learning, and program management. Advanced Academics specialists work directly with teachers to improve gifted and talented/advanced academics services related to state and district guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• Texas Teacher's Certification; Gifted and Talented Endorsement (preferred)
• Minimum 30 hours of Gifted and Talented professional training in the five core areas of Gifted/Talented Education required

Experience:

• Five years of successful classroom experience, including instruction of gifted and talented students.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

I. INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Model effective teaching strategies through demonstration teaching.
• Support the director in collaborating and communicating with campuses, district department and external partners in the designing and implementation of departmental programs.
• Assist in the orientation of teachers and administrators to new or revised advanced academics instructional programs.
• Display high visibility and effective communication skills on campuses to support, monitor, and observe advanced academics curriculum delivery, instructional practices, and professional learning implementation, including use of instructional materials.
• Assist and support new and experienced teachers through individual and group professional learning opportunities.
• Design, plan, conduct and support quality gifted and talented and advanced academics program-based professional learning opportunities, including after-hours sessions.
• Assist with monitoring teacher compliance with state gifted/talented training and program compliance requirements.
• Establish ongoing goals for professional learning to remain current in innovative and effective practices.

II. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

• Attend and participate in Academic Services, department, and other meetings and committees as required and promote efficiency, teamwork, and a professional work environment.
• Participate as an effective team member who articulates and contributes to District, department, team, and individual goals and implementation of advanced academics departmental programs.
• Exemplify effective problem-solving methods that are customer-service oriented.
• Build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including principals, school staff, parents, central office staff, higher education, and industry stakeholders.
• Submit departmental programming updates and reports as requested by Director of Advanced Academics

III. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

• Possess a broad knowledge of gifted and talented instructional strategies, with specific knowledge of multiple levels of instruction and services.
• Demonstrates success in improving student achievement as measured through data analysis to inform curricular and instructional decisions and improve academic programming with a cycle of continuous improvement.
• Display a strong ability to work independently as a self-starter with excellent time-management skills.
• Assist the Advanced Academics Director with advanced academics committees, extracurricular activities, testing, the Advanced Academics website, and gifted/talented student records.
• Facilitate curriculum and instructional planning, development and implementation for advanced academics programming and align department support to the classroom, campus, and District goals.

IV. ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Exhibit a high proficiency in computer usage and instructional technology.
• Coordinate acquisition of District resources, including instructional materials, and other resources that support the implementation of instructional priorities and the District professional learning plan.
• Support administrative procedures and regulations to implement policies established by federal and state law, SBOE rule, and local board policy in the areas of Advanced Academics.
• Assists in developing the annual College and Career Readiness plan (CCMR) and other TEA reports.
• Implement, monitor, and provide oversight for academic contests and travel process.
• Develop recommendations for instructional budgets that align with department goals.
• Comply with all regulations and procedures regarding fiscal management.

V. SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Organize and implement parent advisory committee meetings and other parent engagement opportunities and update the Parent Handbook each year.
• Participate as an effective team member who contributes to District, department, and content goals.
• Research the district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking action.
• Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct district-wide events and activities related to advanced academics.

VI. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Identify new research in the area of curriculum, instruction, and assessments to support decisions, and apply new knowledge and skills to improve programming, campus support, and District operations.
• Maintain a network of professional colleagues, membership in professional associations, attendance at relevant conferences, and exposure to professional literature in the area of curriculum, instruction, and assessments.
• Exhibit adaptability, a growth mindset, and self-awareness and management in their performance of assigned duties.
• Exhibit honesty, integrity, dependability, competence, and a professional attitude in the performance of duties and responsibilities as defined in the AISD and TEA code of ethics.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS

• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the director of Advanced Academics or the Executive Director of Transformational Learning.

VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS:

MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computers and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
• Motion: Moderate walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned, or of the skills that may be required.

Duty Days 212

Pay Grade Admin Professional 3