Elementary Talented and Gifted (TAG) Teacher - Rock Creek and Abbie Grove Elementary (School Year 2026-2027)

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

JDE: 4.16

Talented and Gifted (TAG) Teacher

Position Summary

At Ankeny Schools, our Elementary Talented and Gifted (TAG) Teachers plays a vital role in our mission to help every student learn, grow, and succeed. TAG Teachers design and deliver engaging, differentiated learning experiences aligned with district curriculum that challenge and support advanced learners across developmental levels. They collaborate with classroom teachers to identify student strengths, support academic and social-emotional growth, and ensure equitable access to enrichment and acceleration opportunities.

Job Title: Talented and Gifted (TAG) Teacher

Salary: See Negotiated Teacher Salary Schedule

Benefit Summary: C

Reports To: Building Principal

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Qualifications

Experience:

• Prior teaching experience preferred, but not required
• Experience in teaching and working with gifted students and their families, preferred

Education & Licensure:

• Bachelor’s degree in position related area
• Iowa State Teacher License

Endorsement Requirement:

• PK-12 Talented and Gifted - 107

Required Skills:

• Strong instructional planning and delivery aligned to district curriculum and learning goals.
• Ability to use assessment data to guide instruction and support student growth.
• Effective classroom management that fosters a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.

Essential Functions

Instructional Design & Delivery

Designs and delivers high-quality, differentiated instruction aligned to district curriculum and TAG programming goals to meet the academic and affective needs of advanced learners across PK–12. Uses multiple data sources—including screening tools, progress monitoring, and student performance data—to identify strengths, guide instructional decisions, and adjust learning experiences. Implements evidence-based enrichment, acceleration, and extension strategies in alignment with state and district standards while supporting students with IEPs or 504 plans as applicable.

Collaboration & Relationship Building

Collaborates with classroom teachers, specialists, administrators, students, and families to support TAG identification, service delivery, and ongoing student progress. Provides instructional leadership to promote high expectations, equitable access, and effective differentiation for advanced learners. Builds positive, inclusive relationships that support student advocacy, belonging, and academic growth. In addition, the TAG teacher responsibilities may include instructional coaching, consulting, modeling, co-planning, and facilitating professional learning related to advanced learner services.

Student Learning & Assessment

Guides student learning by aligning TAG instruction with program goals and individual learning needs. Implements appropriate assessment and progress-monitoring strategies to evaluate student performance, inform instructional adjustments, and support continuous improvement of TAG services. Recognizes and nurtures student strengths, creativity, and potential across academic and social-emotional domains.

Learning Environment & Student Support

Establishes structured, flexible learning environments that promote intellectual risk-taking, curiosity, independence, and respectful discourse. Supports students’ social-emotional development, including perfectionism, motivation, and peer relationships, while modeling professional and ethical behavior in accordance with district and state standards.

Communication

Maintains timely, professional, and transparent communication with students, parents, guardians, colleagues, and administrators regarding TAG identification processes, instructional programming, and student progress. Shares resources, expectations, and opportunities to strengthen partnerships and promote understanding of TAG services across the school community.

Professional Responsibilities, Compliance & Development

Maintains accurate documentation related to TAG identification, service delivery, and student progress in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements. Implements required accommodations and services as applicable and adheres to all relevant laws and policies. Actively participates in meetings, professional learning, and collaboration to strengthen TAG practices, instructional effectiveness, and program alignment.

Attendance & Reliability

Demonstrates consistent and reliable attendance and punctuality in alignment with district expectations, recognizing the importance of continuity in instructional services and collaboration. Ensures consistent support and programming for TAG students across grade levels and buildings.

Adherence to Iowa Teaching & Ethical Standards

Adheres to the Iowa Teaching Standards and the Iowa Ethical Standards for Educators by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all instructional and professional practices. Upholds student confidentiality, maintains appropriate boundaries, and acts in the best interest of students, families, and the school community. Engages in reflective practice and continuous improvement consistent with state expectations for effective educators.

Other Functions

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Provide excellent customer service and assistance to all employees, fostering a welcoming and approachable atmosphere.
• Work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate respect and professionalism in all interactions with colleagues, students, and families.
• Use positive and professional communication in all interactions.
• Adhere to safety protocols and policies established by the Ankeny Community School District to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
• Support District goals and objectives while adhering to all District policies, contributing to the overall success of the school community.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the District; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures.

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

Approved by: Justin Mohr Date: February 9th, 2026

The Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.