2026-27 Gifted Science Teacher - Mountain Trail MS

Paradise Valley USD 69•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The job of Gifted Specialist in the Journey Gifted Middle School Program at Mountain Trail Middle School is to provide instruction to gifted students in grades 7 & 8 by developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction with established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress. This job reports to Site Administrator and Director of Gifted Education.

Requirements

Minimum two years experience teaching gifted students (pull-out, cluster, or self-contained)
Knowledge in the areas of Mathematics and Reading standards-based content
Bachelors degree in job-related area
Arizona Teacher Certificate
Arizona Gifted Endorsement
SEI Endorsement
Social Studies or Science Endorsement (Both Endorsements Preferred)
Criminal Background Clearance
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Nice To Haves

Both Social Studies and Science Endorsements Preferred

Responsibilities

Provide instruction to gifted identified students in grades 7 & 8 in Social Studies and Science.
Work with Director of Gifted Education to support the goals of the Gifted Education Department.
Attend Gifted Specialist inservices.
Oversee nomination for gifted testing at school level.
Preside over the monthly gifted cluster teacher meetings.
Provide staff development opportunities at the school level.
Attend district staff development opportunities as related to gifted education.
Gather data for program evaluation purposes.
Administers subject specific assessments, etc. for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and/or developing individual learning plans.
Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress for the purpose of communicating expectations; student’s achievements; developing methods for improvement and/or reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.
Assesses student progress towards objectives, expectations, and/or goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students, parents and administration.
Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement plan.
Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, health status, problem solving techniques and a variety of personal issues.
Demonstrates pedagogical approaches that engage learners for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.
Differentiates classroom work for the purpose of providing students with instructional materials that address individualized learning within established lesson plans.
Facilitates student learning for the purpose of achieving success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills through defined lesson plans.
Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academics through a defined course of study.
Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.
Monitors students in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
Organizes age appropriate indoor and outdoor activities for the purpose of ensuring student participation in learning activities.
Participates on PLC team for the purpose of reviewing data and instructional practices.
Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. staff, district, IEPs, 504s, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
Participates in a variety of written materials (e.g. grades, attendance, anecdotal records, etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.
Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies (e.g. fights, suspected child or substance abuse, inappropriate social behaviors, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
Responds to inquiries for a variety of sources (e.g. other teachers, parents, administrators, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues, providing information and/or direction.
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.