2026/2027 Gifted Education Program Specialist, Durango School District, 1.0 FTE

Durango School District 9-R • Durango, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Gifted Education Program Specialist. This role involves working collaboratively with all stakeholders to assist schools in ensuring gifted student social-emotional and academic growth through systems of support, programming, and advocacy. The position requires a commitment to instructional leadership, professional learning, coaching, strategic planning, and fostering the inclusion of gifted education within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and assessment programs. The specialist will lead district-wide innovative programs, provide instructional support, and engage in external networking. Key responsibilities include leading identification systems, supporting Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs), conducting audits, analyzing data, and managing budgets and grants related to gifted education. The role also emphasizes student, family, and community advocacy, focusing on the social-emotional needs of gifted students and engaging with parents and community members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with extensive training in gifted education.
• Highly qualified (or in process) with one of three Colorado Gifted Endorsements: Core Gifted, Gifted Specialist, or Gifted Director.
• Three to five years of successful teaching experience.
• Proven experience with gifted characteristics, identification techniques, and program models.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to implement IEPs, 504s, and behavior support plans for twice-exceptional students.
• Ability to promote and follow Board, District, and Department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Student Information Systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Gifted Education.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and deliver professional learning designed specifically to increase capacity in principals, gifted teachers, cluster teachers, special service providers, and administrators as it relates to gifted education.
• Conduct classroom visits, observe cluster teacher classrooms, and model best practices to provide feedback and instructional coaching to staff responsible for delivering services to gifted learners.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Gifted Education "Comprehensive Program Plan" and support the implementation of additional district strategic plans.
• Foster the inclusion of gifted education into Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and assessment programs throughout the administrative unit.
• Lead and manage district-wide innovative programs that support gifted and all students, including the Ignite Bus, Destination Imagination, Lego League, and others as assigned.
• Assist schools in developing instructional materials, resources, and master schedules that provide for the delivery of gifted services.
• Network with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Gifted Education Regional Consultant and other district/regional liaisons.
• Provide leadership and facilitate meetings related to the identification of gifted children, prioritizing a sustainable plan to increase identification of underrepresented populations.
• Support schools in developing and implementing Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) for identified students, ensuring staff are involved in the development process.
• Conduct routine audits of school-based services to ensure compliance with ALPs and ECEA Rules; assist with state reporting and progress monitoring.
• Disaggregate gifted student data and report findings to building and district leadership.
• Oversee the budget and ordering of assessment materials; support the administration of the Universal Screening and Qualified Personnel grant.
• Integrate the social-emotional needs of gifted students into programming guided by Colorado affective goal standards.
• Assist counselors and social workers in meeting the social-emotional needs of gifted students.
• Provide leadership on the Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council and develop positive relationships with families and community members.
• Serve as an advocate for the needs of gifted students in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of students at all times.
• Demonstrate faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or their designees.

Benefits

• Existing Durango School District 181 Day Licensed Staff hired into this position will be placed on the Cell they currently reside on times 1.05 index plus an additional 10 days for the total salary, per the Licensed Compensation System guidelines.
• New hires to the District will be placed within the range below.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior