Job Title:  ASPIRE 7th/8th grade English Teacher                                             Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to:      Principal                                                                                      

Dept./School:  Cross Timbers Middle School                                                         Date Revised: Spring 2020

Primary Purpose:

Advancing Scholars in Pursuit of Innovation, Real-world connections, and Excellence in education (ASPIRE).  This position in GCISD’s ASPIRE Academy will provide highly gifted learners with appropriate learning activities and experiences in the core academic subject area(s) assigned to help them 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:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements or required training for subject(s) and level(s) assigned

Demonstrated competency in the core academic subject area assigned

Gifted & Talented Endorsement or Certification preferred

GT 30 hours plus annual six (6) hour update

Experience teaching gifted students preferred 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of core academic subject(s) assigned

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Understanding of the unique social and emotional needs of highly gifted students

Ability to cultivate positive relationships with highly gifted and high achieving students and their families

Ability  to create a positive learning environment

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to bring Digital tools into the classroom

Ability to differentiate according to student readiness, interest and needs

Experience:

Must have three (3) years of experience teaching gifted learners (such as GT Specialist, Cluster teacher, Discoveries teacher, Accelerated Math/Science teacher, etc.)

Curriculum Design experience specifically related to differentiating instruction and creating differentiated learning experiences for gifted students 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Strategies

1. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
2. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.
3. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
4. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
5. Conduct assessment of student learning styles, readiness and use results to plan instructional activities.
6. Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
7. Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements.
8. Plan and supervise assignments of teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s).
9.           Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process to include basic computer programming, coding, web design, blogging, etc.

Student Growth and Development

1. Help students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
2. Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formative and summative assessments.
3. Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned. Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
4. Be a positive role model for students, support mission of school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
3. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
4. Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
3. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
2. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
4. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise assigned teacher aide(s).

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.

Applicants for all positions are considered without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminating employment practice.