Durango School District 9-R is accepting applications for a Gifted Education Program Specialist. Position includes a competitive benefits package and begins January 9, 2023.
Job Title: Gifted Education Program Specialist
Job Family: Student Service Provider
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Student Support Services
Prepared Date: August 1, 2021
Typical Work Year: 183 days plus ten additional work days; 193 total days
SUMMARY
Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to assist schools in ensuring gifted student social emotional growth and academic growth through systems of support, programming, and advocacy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work collaboratively with principals, assistant principals, counselors, and teachers to plan, develop, and deliver professional learning designed specifically to increase capacity in teachers, special service providers and administrators as it relates to gifted education.
- Collaboration with building leaders or provide supervision of building level facilitators
- Provide leadership and facilitate meetings related to the identification of gifted children. Support schools in developing Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) for identified students. Assist schools in the development of school schedules that provide for the delivery of gifted services.
- Assist schools in developing instructional materials and resources to meet the needs of gifted students.
- Conduct classroom visits with principals and assistant principals and assist in providing instructional coaching to staff responsible for delivering services to gifted learners.
- Assist special service providers (i.e. counselors, social workers, etc.) in meeting the social/emotional needs of gifted students.
- Provide assistance and guidance to schools on how to support the parents/guardians of gifted students. Serve as an advocate for the needs of gifted students in a professional and appropriate manner.
- Network with Colorado Department of Education Gifted Education Regional Consultant and other district and regional liaisons on gifted services.
- Provide leadership on the Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council.
- Progress monitor the gifted program. Conduct routine audits of school-based gifted services to ensure compliance with ALPs and ECEA Rules.
- Assist with state reporting related to gifted education.
- Oversee budget and ordering of assessment materials
- Support administration of the Universal Screening and Qualified Personnel grant and review outcomes with district and state personnel.
- Develop a sustainable plan to increase identification of underrepresented populations
- Assist in the development of the UIP and Gifted Education “Comprehensive Program Plan”.
- Articulate the mission, vision and goals of the AU’s gifted program with stakeholders, as per ECEA rules.
- Disaggregate gifted student data and report to building and district leadership
- Ensure that staff is familiar and involved in identification procedures and Advanced Learning Plan development.
- Foster the inclusion of gifted education into MTSS and assessment programs throughout the administrative unit.
- Integrate the social-emotional needs of gifted students into AU programming options that are guided by Colorado affective goal standards and are strength-based.
- Develop positive relationships with families, educators and community members for the benefit of gifted student achievement and well-being.
- Attend district and regional gifted education meetings as necessary
- Perform other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Ensure the safety and welfare of students at all times.
- Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work.
- Submit required reports at the times specified.
- Demonstrate care of and protection of School District property.
- Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
- Use the District’s internet and E-mail system as specified in Policy.
- Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent or their designees.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Minimum: Bachelor’s degree from accredited university. Extensive education and/or training in working with gifted education. Masters Degree in Gifted Education preferred. Highly qualified or in the process of becoming highly qualified with one of three Gifted Education Endorsements:
- Core Gifted Endorsement
- Gifted Specialist
- Gifted Director
EXPERIENCE
Three to five years of successful teaching experience required. Knowledge of, and experience with gifted learners, characteristics, identification techniques, learning strategies and program models.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS
Colorado Teaching License with one of the highly qualified gifted endorsements in place or in process.
Valid Driver License or self-secured motor transportation
TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES
- Excellent interpersonal relations and oral and written communication skills.
- Strong decision making, analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to work with students with diverse needs at various levels.
- Ability to develop and implement lessons and programming for gifted students.
- Ability to lead others.
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Ability to promote and follow Board and District policies, Superintendent policies and building/ department procedures.
- Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively in a team setting
- Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
- Ability to utilize formative and summative assessments to assess student learning.
- Ability to develop and implement Advanced Learning Plans.
- Ability to implement IEPs, 504s, and behavior support plans for students considered to be twice exceptional.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT OPERATING KNOWLEDGE
- Computers and general office equipment.
- Microsoft Office applications.
- Student Information Systems.
Durango School District 9-R is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District 9-R, 201 E 12th Street, Durango, CO 81301, (970) 247-5411, lgalido@durangoschools.org, or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, (303)844-5695. |