PRIMARY PURPOSE

The function of the GT Specialist is to provide instructional programming for identified academically gifted and talented students which promotes intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal growth and development.  In accordance with district philosophy, goals, and objectives, GT Specialists collaborate with administrators and colleagues to provide differentiated and enriched curriculum for students in grades K-6.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s Degree from accredited university required

Gifted and Talented certification required

Master’s Degree from accredited university in Gifted and Talented Education or related required

Special Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of subjects assigned

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Experience

Two or more years of successful teaching experience

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Instruction

1. Develop and implement flexible, curriculum-based, enrichment services designed to meet the gifted students’ academic needs, while facilitating collaboration through group interactions.
2. Collaborate with parents, students, and GT Teachers to create an environment in which the gifted can develop strengths, improve interpersonal communication, take intellectual risks, and face academic challenges.
3. Collaborate with classroom teachers to support high level critical thinking and problem solving skills for all students.
4. Provide academic enrichment for newly identified kindergarten students each spring.
5. Locate and provide resources, methods, and ideas to support teachers with advanced learners and identified gifted students.
6. Provide direct instruction for students, and team teach with GT classroom teachers, as needed.
7. Disaggregate and analyze all GT student STAAR data for use with campus and district instructional planning and trend analysis.
8. Provide academic support to GT students in their areas of giftedness in order to promote advanced level performance on state assessments.  
9. Provide affective skill support to GT students to address multiple exceptionalities.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Testing

1. Accept ongoing nominations and testing requests for GT.
2. Secure permission to test from parents or guardians.
3. Screen all kindergarten students for GT services using district criteria.
4. Administer and score district designated tests.
5. Compile all testing data on appropriate matrices, including campus and district reports.
6. Communicate results of testing to parents in writing.
7. Conduct Building Selection Committee meeting to confirm candidates for GT programs.
8. Maintain testing data files and folders on students.
9. Present candidates to District Selection Committee for review.

Extracurricular

1. Facilitate individual campus programs that foster critical thinking skills, problem solving, and good sportsmanship, such as Destination Imagination, UIL, Robotics Club, etc.
2. Serve as consultant for the GT Kids’ Conference.
3. Attend TAGT and other professional conferences, as appropriate.
4. Attend GT-PAC meetings.
5. Select GT-PAC representative and communicate regularly.
6. Assist with local GT Coop Day.

Communication

1. Conference with parents as needed to support positive relationships and effective communication.
2. Meet regularly with GT Specialist Team.
3. Update and serve on curriculum writing committees, as needed.
4. Disseminate all GT information to appropriate teachers, such as scholarship and staff development opportunities.
5. Maintain forum for campus communication, which may include a teacher website, newsletter, etc.
6. Hold GT Parent meetings on campus as needed.
7. Create and maintain a campus professional database for all GT teachers on campus, and provide data to Central Office as requested.
8. Develop and provide professional development in gifted and talented education at campus and district level.
9. Collaborate with principal and CIT committee on advanced academics and gifted and talented programming goals.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in the district staff development program.
2. Obtain 6-hour GT update annually.
3. Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement.
4. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
5. Keep informed of, and comply with, state, district, and campus policies for classroom teachers.
6. Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents as required.
7. Attend and participate in faculty meetings, and serve on staff committees as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May be required to supervise assigned instructional aide(s).

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress.  Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing.  Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.

 

Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

Pay Grade:  60

Reports to:  Campus Principal

Days:  187