What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Instructional Specialist (Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs) position at Alexandria City Public Schools?
Job Description
The Elementary Instructional Specialist for Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs is responsible for supporting the implementation of Advanced Academic Services (AAS) at the elementary level, including the Talent Development and Young Scholars models. The specialist collaborates closely with the Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs to support the administration of AAS processes, including referral, screening, identification, and placement of elementary students in AAS and Young Scholars programs.
This position provides curriculum aligned to the ACPS division sequence and pacing, utilizing research-based gifted education resources, and delivers ongoing, school-based instructional support and professional learning to ensure alignment between the written and taught curriculum at the elementary level. The specialist works in partnership with central office staff, AAS teachers, school-based personnel, families, and community stakeholders to enhance the quality of student outcomes and support the achievement of division-wide goals outlined in the ACPS Strategic Plan and the Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted. This 12-month, 240 day Licensed position reports to the Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs.
Qualifications
The Elementary Instructional Specialist for Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs is responsible for supporting the implementation of Advanced Academic Services (AAS) at the elementary level, including the Talent Development and Young Scholars models. The specialist collaborates closely with the Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs to support the administration of AAS processes, including referral, screening, identification, and placement of elementary students in AAS and Young Scholars programs.
This position provides curriculum aligned to the ACPS division sequence and pacing, utilizing research-based gifted education resources, and delivers ongoing, school-based instructional support and professional learning to ensure alignment between the written and taught curriculum at the elementary level. The specialist works in partnership with central office staff, AAS teachers, school-based personnel, families, and community stakeholders to enhance the quality of student outcomes and support the achievement of division-wide goals outlined in the ACPS Strategic Plan and the Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted. This 12-month, 240 day Licensed position reports to the Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs.
Qualifications
- Education: A Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited College or University in Educaiton, or a Related Field Required, Master's Degree Preferred.
- Certificates & Licenses: A Valid Virginia Department of Education Teaching Collegiate or PostGraduate License required, with an endorsement in Gifted Education or eligibility to obtain the Teaching License with the appropriate endorsement upon hiring.
- Experience: Five years of elementary teaching experience and gifted experience.
- Collaborates with the Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs to administer or assist with the administration of AAS for referral, screening, identification, and placement of AAS students in cooperation with the school, student services, and administrative personnel to ensure equitable practices and policies.
- Implements procedures and processes to identify AAS students at the K-5 level and the Young Scholars model in Grades K-8.
- Provides regular and effective communication to internal and external stakeholders through the AAS website, newsletters, and division-wide communication outlets.
- Fosters a communication, understanding, and public awareness of school division services to students receiving AAS and Young Scholars services while dismantling systemic racism within these academic areas.
- Responds to inquiries from various sources (e.g., other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) to resolve issues, and provide information, support, and/or direction.
- Provides regular, school-based instructional support and professional learning to ensure alignment of written and taught curriculum at the elementary level.
- Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents, and a variety of community stakeholders to improve the overall quality of student outcomes and achieve established district-wide objectives and goals in support of the ACPS Strategic Plan. Including, disseminating information regarding current developments and best teaching practices in the field that affords equity and diversity within gifted and advanced academics.
- Assists teachers in the improvement of instructional delivery and performance.
- Supports division-wide teachers and gifted teachers to assist them in implementing established curricula, gifted resources, strategies, and/or individual student plans.
- Assists the Director of Advanced Academics and Gifted Programs with secure data analysis focusing on AAS student enrollment and distribution within the school division in adherence to ACPS policies, including disproportionality and underrepresented student groups and other selected information on AAS students.
- Participates in various meetings to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions.
- May perform other additional duties or tasks as designated by the supervisor.
- Step Placement and Salary for this position is determined by The ACPS Teachers and Other Licensed Staff Salary Scale
- Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
- Tuberculosis Skin Test.
- Public Health Compliance - Must follow safety and health protocols.