Teacher - Gifted and Talented - Taft Elementary School

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base Salary:

$55,886.00

Calendar:

Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary:

The gifted resource teacher will support identified gifted elementary students in reaching their full potential by providing advanced learning experiences through pullout instruction and campus-based enrichment support. The teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive and appropriate educational environment while addressing the intellectual and social-emotional needs of gifted learners. The position includes collaboration with school and district staff to support enrichment opportunities and gifted student identification across assigned sites.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of advanced subject matter, instructional strategies, and resources appropriate for gifted learners
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques to facilitate learning in a pullout classroom setting
• Considers the individual learning needs, abilities, and social-emotional characteristics of gifted students, as well as school and district goals, in the preparation and implementation of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments
• Plans and delivers differentiated, in-depth learning experiences that incorporate higher-level thinking, creativity, and real-world applications
• Creates instructional and assessment materials aligned to learning objectives and the unique needs of gifted learners
• Uses available technology and instructional media to enhance student learning experiences
• Continuously and accurately collects and analyzes student learning data to inform instructional decisions and support student growth
• Establishes, supports, and maintains a positive and appropriate learning environment that fosters intellectual risk-taking and independence
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, school staff, and district personnel; communicates effectively regarding student progress, gifted characteristics, and services
• Collaborates with classroom teachers, coaches, and administrators to support differentiation, enrichment, and gifted programming across assigned campuses
• Supports the identification of gifted students, including organizing, administering, and communicating assessment processes and results in accordance with district procedures
• Works with school personnel and families to support the academic and social-emotional development of gifted learners
• Maintains accurate student records related to achievement, participation, and identification
• Participates in professional learning and collaborates with colleagues to improve instructional practices and gifted services
• Takes an active role in supporting school and district goals and initiatives
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certification
• Prior teaching experience
• Associate teacher, student teaching or practicum experience

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible
• Appropriately communicates and interacts with other staff in academic planning and school committee work
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional growth

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• This position w…