Job Title:  ASPIRE  Teacher                                             Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to:      Principal                                                  Pay Grade: Teacher Payscale                                  

Dept./School:  Glenhope Elementary                               Date Revised: Spring 2021

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, and social growth. The selected teacher will provide students with tools to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Valid Elementary 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

Experience teaching gifted students preferred

Gifted & Talented Endorsement or Certification preferred (If selected, GT certification will be required within the first semester if the applicant is not already GT certified.) 

GT 30 hours plus annual six (6) hour update

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 use digital tools to enhance instruction

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, classroom teacher with GT cluster)

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 the 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 an 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. Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the school district.

Classroom Management and Organization

1. Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of highly gifted 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 the 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, the advanced academics department, 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) as applicable.

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.