2025-26 Gifted Program Mentor - Gifted Department/DAC

Gifted Program Mentor

Location: Gifted Department/DAC

FTE: 1.0

Non-Interim Position

Dates: 7/25/2025 - 5/22/2026

Purpose Statement

The primary responsibility of the Gifted Program Mentor will be to instruct, support, and mentor classroom teachers in the promotion of best practices in differentiating curriculum and instruction.

This job reports to the Director of Gifted Education.

Essential Functions

Possess a deep understanding of learning theory.

Demonstrate exemplary classroom instruction.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of differentiation strategies and be able to communicate and model these strategies in all content areas.

Have the ability to present and lead workshops on differentiation and integration to a wide audience.

Be able to develop a differentiated curriculum to meet student needs.

Support teachers in the use of appropriate planning mechanisms to articulate differentiated and integrated practices

Mentor teachers in the development of appropriate and authentic assessment activities to support differentiated and integrated approaches.

Support teachers and advise parents and/or legal guardians of student progress through a Success Plan format  for the purpose of communicating expectations; student’s achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.

Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.

Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning within established lesson plans.

Mentors teachers for the purpose of improving their academic instructional practices through a defined course of study and facilitates student learning for the purpose of achieving success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through defined lesson plans.

Participates on the PLC team for the purpose of reviewing data and instructional practices.

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 emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.

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.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to 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.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; 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 management strategies.

ABILITY is required to 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.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing.  The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience:    Minimum two years experience teaching gifted students

                        (pull-out, cluster, or self-contained)

                        Training and experience in instructional strategies and planning in the                             elementary grades

                        Experience using data driven decision-making to improve classroom                                 instruction

Education:     Bachelors degree in job-related area

Equivalency:

Required Testing                            Certificates and Licenses

                                                   Arizona Teacher Certificate, K-8

                                                   Arizona Gifted Endorsement

                                                   SEI Endorsement Required

Continuing Educ./Training                Clearances

                                                     Criminal Background Clearance

                                                     Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

FLSA Status - Exempt

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.