Assistant Director of Advanced Learning and Choice Programs 2026-2027

Tempe School District No.3•Tempe, AZ

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Advanced Learning and Choice Programs leads the strategic development and implementation of high-impact academic experiences that empower students through enriched, inclusive, and choice-based learning pathways. This role provides instructional and programmatic leadership across gifted education, fine arts, dual language, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Montessori programs. By aligning these offerings with the district’s innovation priorities, including immersive and performance-based learning models, the director ensures that every student can access advanced learning pathways that are interdisciplinary, rigorous, future-focused, grounded in real-world contexts , relevant and engaging for all learners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate; Gifted Endorsement preferred.
State of Arizona administrative certification preferred, but not required.
Experience coordinating or delivering services for gifted/advanced learners.
Minimum 5 years of teaching and/or instructional coaching experience in gifted and/or inquiry based-related fields, advanced, or arts-based instructional leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead professional learning and instructional design.
Demonstrated ability to design and lead identification and service systems that are inclusive, data-informed, and culturally responsive

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of interdisciplinary curriculum models and experiential learning.
Experience with immersive technologies, eSports, or performance-based assessments.
Experience using data systems to monitor program access and student outcomes.
Ability to lead cross-departmental collaboration and manage complex, interdisciplinary initiatives.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Innovation Design, monitor, and evaluate gifted education, and advanced learning services in alignment with district strategic goals, Arizona Department of Education (ADE) compliance, and national best practices.
Support the implementation of project-based and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for advanced learners, including those tied to immersive learning, and real-world performance tasks.
Coordinate services for students in gifted, accelerated, and honors pathways across all schools.
Curate and promote enrichment opportunities including competitions, exhibitions, summer programs, and immersive learning experiences.
Lead districtwide gifted and advanced learning programming, ensuring alignment with state/federal requirements and strategic redesign principles.
Oversee K–8 Fine Arts programming (visual arts, general music, instrumental music, and performing arts), ensuring alignment with Arizona standards and district goals.
Support and grow Dual Language, IB, and Montessori programs, ensuring pedagogical alignment, equity of access, and instructional rigor.
Collaborate with content leaders and site administrators to expand immersive, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning opportunities within advanced and choice programs.
Recommend materials, resources, and technologies that support inclusive, innovative instruction across all assigned domains.
Collaborate with site administrators and teachers to support differentiation strategies and flexible grouping for high-achieving students.
Provide professional development on gifted pedagogy, arts integration, inquiry-based instructional strategies and social-emotional needs of advanced learners.
Support instructional experience designers in designing environments that extend learning through inquiry and choice.
Support site leaders and fine arts educators in the implementation of high-quality, student-centered instruction that reflects best practices.
Model instructional strategies and coach educators in lesson design, performance-based assessment, and culturally responsive teaching.
Collaborate with the other district staff and site leaders to ensure academic alignment, depth, and complexity across enrichment programs.
Facilitate collaborative networks and communities of practice for Dual Language, Montessori, IB, and Fine Arts educators.
Lead identification processes for gifted and talented programs that reflect the diversity of the district.
Analyze disaggregated data to monitor participation and success rates of underrepresented populations (e.g., multilingual learners, low-income students, students of color) in advanced programs.
Collaborate with school psychologists and assessment teams to ensure accurate, inclusive identification tools.
Lead initiatives to expand the identification and support of diverse gifted learners, including multilingual, twice-exceptional, and historically underserved students, by implementing student-centered strategies that reflect the varied backgrounds, strengths, and experiences of all learners.
Expand access to gifted and enrichment services by designing flexible identification and placement pathways aligned to student needs and community context.
Monitor participation data across programs and use disaggregated metrics to inform inclusive design and service delivery.
Collaborate with school teams to ensure that students have access to advanced coursework, fine arts programming, and performance-based learning.
Serve as the primary district contact for gifted programs, fielding family questions, concerns, and recommendations.
Host regular information sessions for families on gifted identification, services, and academic planning.
Partner with community organizations and higher education institutions to expand opportunities for gifted learners.
Lead family and community engagement initiatives to increase awareness and access to advanced learning, arts, and choice programs.
Partner with cultural institutions, local artists, and universities to enhance student learning and community involvement.
Organize exhibitions, performances, and showcases that celebrate student achievement, talent, and interdisciplinary learning.
Support family understanding of gifted education, Montessori and IB philosophy, dual language benefits, and the developmental role of the arts.
Ensure compliance with Arizona’s Gifted Education Statutes and district reporting requirements.
Maintain records for program evaluation, gifted screening, and service delivery.
Coordinate audits, ADE reports, and monitoring processes as needed.
Maintain records and reports related to gifted identification, advanced programs, fine arts curriculum, and federal/state compliance.
Coordinate instructional resource adoption and curriculum alignment within assigned content and program areas.
Develop and monitor program budgets, grants, and documentation aligned to district expectations and state guidance.
Participate in state and national networks to remain current on policy, innovation, and programmatic best practices.