2026-27 Gifted Specialist - Desert Shadows ES

Paradise Valley USD 69•Scottsdale, AZ

About The Position

The job of Gifted Specialist is to provide instruction to gifted students in grades 4-6 in Mathematics and Language Arts, and provide assistance and training to gifted cluster teachers at the site with specific responsibility for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction with established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, an 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

Skills are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job descriptions.
Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; teaching Arizona State recognized standards; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
Specific knowledge based competencies requires to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; behavioral management strategies.
Ability is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data, and use job-related equipment.
Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes and operate equipment using standardized methods.
Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.
Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans
Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours.
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
Criminal Background Clearance
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Responsibilities

Provide instruction to gifted identified students in grades 4-6 in Mathematics and Language Arts
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 qualify of student outcomes, achieving established classroom objectives in support of the school improvement pan.
Counsels students for the purpose of improving performance, heath 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.