High ability learner teacher

Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of the building principal, to provide identified high ability students with rigorous learning experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, and social growth.  HAL teachers work collaboratively with other educational professionals to provide supplemental learning opportunities that complement the district’s approved curriculum.

Essential Functions:

The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Develops and implements lessons that fulfill the district’s requirements for high ability learners.
• Plans a program of study that meets the student’s individual needs, interests, and abilities of gifted students based on the district’s goals and objectives.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and media which meet the needs and capabilities of high ability students.
• Assists with the identification of high ability students, including the planning, testing of students, and the review of student data.
• Adapts curriculum and lesson plans accordingly, providing differentiated activities and extensions, when necessary.
• Works cooperatively with classroom teachers to address the needs of high ability students.
• Conducts meetings with parents of high ability students.
• Assists teachers in developing and providing high ability students with enriched or alternative coursework to meet the needs of gifted learners and promote high achievement.
• Communicates with colleagues, parents, the community, and other stakeholders on a regular basis regarding the events, opportunities, and successes of the district’s high ability program.
• Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conductive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies and establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.
• Maintains a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard school and office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the educational, emotional, and social needs of high ability students.
• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements of gifted and talented students.
• Knowledge of effective instructional methods, educational pedagogy, and differentiated learning strategies.
• Knowledge of academic testing and the interpretation of data.
• Ability to interact confidently with gifted students and their parents.
• Ability to design and implement interdisciplinary units of study.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualification Profile:

• Certification:  
• Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in elementary education.
• Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in high ability educaiton (preferred).
• Education:  Bachelors degree in education from an accredited college or university.
• Experience:  Successful prior experience working with gifted students (preferred).

FLSA Status:  Exempt