POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:   Early Literacy and Gifted and Talented Specialist

FLSA:                      Exempt 

REPORTS TO:         Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Pay Grade:             Admin 2 

Primary Purpose: 

The fundamental purpose of the Early Literacy and Gifted and Talented Specialist is to collaborate with district and campus instructional leadership to deepen the effectiveness of early elementary instruction, with a focus on literacy, and to provide elementary students with enrichment opportunities to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.  This position will be required to have a strong knowledge of effective teaching and learning practices that address differentiated instruction for the learner both adult and student. Responsibilities include leading the DISD Reading Academy Cohort through professional development and coaching; providing enrichment and differentiated opportunities for our elementary GT students; and serving as an Instructional Coach for our Pre-K campus.   

Qualifications:

Education/Certification: 

             Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

             Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferred

             Valid Texas Teaching certificate with the required endorsements

             Demonstrated competency in the academic area assigned

Special Knowledge and Skills:

              Ability to organize and coordinate district wide programs

              Knowledge of Curriculum and Instruction

              Ability to coach teachers in the critical attributes of instruction and student engagement

              Knowledge of strategies and materials for the education and gifted and talented students

              Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

              Ability to plan and present professional learning

Experience:

3 years of experience as a classroom teacher

Classroom coaching experience (i.e. specialist, team leader, department chair, student teacher supervisor, teacher mentor, etc.) Gifted and Talented instruction

Major Responsibilities and Duties

             Staff Development:

1. Cultivate a culture of professional inquiry and growth in which instructional leaders and teachers are self-motivated to improve, model creativity, flexibility, and responsiveness.
2. Disseminate information regarding current research and significant developments in Reading and Language Arts education.
3. Coach individuals and groups to identify strengths, areas of potential growth, and steps to take to improve instructional practices

Instructional Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district’s curriculum program and show evidence of preparation as required.
2. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning.
3. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning needs of students assigned.

Instructional Leadership and Program Management:

1. Work cooperatively with Student Services staff and campus leadership to actively monitor and meet all accountability measures related to student learning
2. Develop and conduct or arrange for staff development sessions, including sessions on delivery of instruction, enriched learning in classroom settings, and methods for identifying gifted and talented students
3. Observe classrooms and provide feedback
4. Provide trainings to teachers
5. Provide opportunities for teachers to observe good teaching (other teachers, model lessons)
6. Provide teachers with strategies, resources, and ideas
7. Facilitate sharing of activities and resources from teacher to teacher 8. Analyze data to direct instruction

Working Conditions and Mental Demands:

1. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; maintain emotional control under stress
2. Travel between campus assignments
3. Attendance is an essential job function
4. Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Salary : $70,809 - $85,004