2026-2027 1.0 FTE Gifted Specialist (.5 FTE Hopi ES and .5 Cherokee ES)

PAY GRADE:  Per Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION OBJECTIVE: 

The role of the Gifted Specialist is two-fold. The Specialist serves as the content replacement teacher for the identified gifted learners in 3^rd-5^th grade for Math and 4^th-5^th grade for Reading.  Additionally, the specialist provides guidance and support to the cluster and regular classroom teachers on the campus as well as supports with differentiated learning opportunities as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

• Possess a deep understanding of learning theory. Including the ability to articulate an understanding of the unique characteristics of gifted children, the social emotional needs of gifted learners, and the importance of fostering creativity to maximize student talent development.
• Demonstrate exemplary classroom instruction, utilizing gifted teaching strategies.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of differentiation strategies and be able to communicate and model these strategies in all content areas.
• Possess a growth mindset and communicate that forward thinking approach in all aspects of coaching. Demonstrate self-motivation to advocate for gifted learners and their teachers by pursuing opportunities to initialize coaching. 
• Have an understanding of basic instructional coaching principles.
• Be able to develop differentiated curriculum to meet student need.
• Coach teachers in the development of appropriate and authentic assessment activities to support differentiated and integrated approaches.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
• Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
• Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. staff, district, IEPs, 504s, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Responds to inquiries for a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
• Working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: (positions in this class typically require):

• Bachelors degree in job-related area.
• Minimum two years experience teaching gifted students (pull-out, cluster, or self-contained).
• Experience using data driven decision-making to improve classroom instruction.
• Training and experience in instructional strategies and planning in Grades 6-8.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: (positions in this class typically require):

Licensing Requirements:

• Standard Professional Elementary, K-8 certificate from AZ. Department of Education with Gifted and SEI endorsements.
• Valid IVP fingerprint clearance card from the Department of Public Safety.

KNOWLEDGE: (position requirements at entry):

• Read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral manage strategies.

SKILLS: (position requirements at entry):

• Perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade stills in order to meet changing job descriptions.
• Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; teaching Arizona State recognized standards; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

ABILITY: (position requirements at entry):

• Schedule activities, meetings, and/or events;
• Gather, collate, and/or classify data, and use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances.
• Work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods.
• Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.
• Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate.
• Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negoligible amount of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

NOTE: 

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Return To Work Retirees will have an hourly rate approximately 9% lower than listed below without falling below minimum wage.