GT/AP/ESOL Instructional Specialist - GT Teacher

Summary

The Instructional Specialist focusing on AP/GT/ESOL Coordination for the district should be knowledgeable in the three areas of support he/she will provide. He/she is primarily responsible for the organization, administration, and implementation of these programs within the district in constant collaboration with both DESE and College Board. He/she should be able to confidently recommend and/or provide professional learning opportunities that help to improve the quality of these programs and enhance the professional practices of those who provide services to the students who are in them, and to analyze the impact of these programs on student achievement. The Instructional Specialist - AP/GT/ESOL Coordinator oversees and is accountable for all aspects of these programs for the district, Grades K-12. More specific responsibilities related to each program are detailed below.

Reports To

Assistant Superintendent

Contract Days

200

Salary

To be determined by salary schedule

Education, Experience, Skills, and Certification




Required

  • Valid teaching certificate with Gifted Endorsement
  • Knowledge of learning processes, research-based best practices, change theory, curriculum implementation, assessment, instructional strategies
  • Demonstrated ability to raise student achievement and improve underperforming student achievement through a results-oriented approach driven by data
  • Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal initiatives, including, but not limited to, ESSA, State Assessments, District Assessments, and Renaissance STAR Reading & Math assessments
  • Demonstrated ability to work with others, collaborate to solve problems, and build high performing teams
  • Ability to work well with a diverse group of people
  • Ability to lead and motivate others to perform at high levels
  • Exemplary communication and organizational skills

Preferred

  • Minimum of five years teaching experience
  • Building Level Administrator Certification (Preferred, but NOT required)

Physical Demands

  • Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking
  • Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing
  • Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
  • Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights

General Competencies

  • Positive attitude - Optimistic, team-first attitude displayed at all times
  • Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with students, parents, and co-workers
  • Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions
  • Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
  • Oral Communication - Ability to clearly and appropriately articulate sounds and effectively communicate with others using the spoken word 
  • Written Communication - Ability to clearly, appropriately, and concisely communicate with others in writing
  • Diversity Oriented - Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type
  • Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea
  • Energetic - Ability to work at a sustained pace and produce quality work
  • Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task
  • Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards
  • Friendly - Ability to exhibit a cheerful demeanor toward others
  • Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace
  • Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal
  • Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
  • Judgment - The ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information
  • Loyal - The trait of feeling a sense of duty to the employer
  • Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
  • Patience - Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous
  • Punctuality - Ability to report to work on time on a day-to-day basis
  • Regular attendance - Exhibiting regular attendance in order to perform duties in a satisfactory manner
  • Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy
  • Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct
  • Tactful - Ability to show consideration for and maintain good relations with others
  • Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations

GT Coordinator - Delivery of GT Services Primary Performance Duties & Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction: 

  • Researches evidenced-based programs and curricula, and works with the Assistant Superintendent and classroom teachers in selecting appropriate materials for classroom use;
  • Provides or coordinates training necessary to effectively implement curriculum and instructional materials;
  • Is familiar with various methods and principles of learning to best meet the needs of gifted and talented students and district learning outcomes; and
  • Provides leadership, coordination, and resources to K-8 staff regarding gifted and talented programs.
  • identify the needs of GT students and then meet these needs by presenting them with advanced curriculum, challenging instruction, enrichment units, and opportunities for growth according to state/district regulations

Testing and Evaluation:

  • Administers the appropriate assessment(s) to be used as part of the criteria for entrance into the Gifted and Talented program;
  • Uses tests for diagnostic purposes and/or placement;
  • Interprets and communicates the results of tests to teachers, parents, and other district personnel; and
  • Oversees the selection, scheduling, and assessments of gifted and talented learners.

Professional Development:

  • Demonstrates knowledge and application of subject matter;
  • Keeps abreast of research and instructional techniques related to gifted and talented programming;
  • Provides in-service training for teachers and other support personnel; and
  • Takes advantage of courses, in-service training, and conferences in areas of specialization.

Policies and Budget:

  • Assists in preparing and managing the district-wide Gifted and Talented budget;
  • Stays abreast of state, federal, and public sector grants and opportunities in the area of gifted and talented programming; and
  • Ensures compliance with state mandates, state guidelines, and auditable records.

Human Relations and Communication:

  • Communicates the educational needs of gifted and talented learners to administrators, teachers, and other staff;
  • Establishes positive working relationships and communication with district staff, administrators, parents, and students;
  • Attends grade level, department, or district-wide meetings to assist with programming needs; and
  • Exhibits professional and ethical behavior toward fellow teachers and co-workers.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required:

  • Provides professional expertise and assistance to individuals, other district staff and the community concerning areas of expertise/knowledge;
  • Attends training sessions, conferences, seminars, district and departmental meetings;
  • Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, instructional and educational technologies; and
  • Maintains and updates all district and state required reports, documents, records, etc.

Essential Knowledge and Specialized Subject Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of educational assessment procedures and techniques, test construction, and evaluation methods for gifted and talented students;
  • Knowledge of resources available to gifted and talented learners;
  • Knowledge of teaching principles, practices, techniques, and approaches for gifted and talented learners;
  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of staff leadership and coordination;
  • Knowledge of observation and feedback techniques;
  • Knowledge of basic office equipment and software used by the district in maintaining records and files (i.e. word processing software, student record databases);
  • Knowledge of instructional technologies and software, equipment, tools and devices used presenting instruction, documenting assessments, student progress or other classroom administrative requirements of the district.

AP Coordinator Primary Performance Duties & Responsibilities

  • Acts as liaison between staff and district administration for the purpose of providing communication to staff, reporting work of the team to administration, and assuring the team's work is aligned to the District's plan.
  • Collaborate with the principal and district administration to collect data, compile and submit reports and to communicate instructional or procedural concerns for the purpose of responding to audits, and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
  • Communicate with appropriate personnel for the purpose of ensuring AP scores are entered into database(s) and onto student transcripts (as appropriate).
  • Communicate with teachers and administrators regarding AP schedule, testing sites, etc. for the purpose of sharing pertinent information.
  • Coordinate with district and building administrators to provide opportunities for AP faculty to participate in Advanced Placement Summer Institutes for the purpose of receiving content-specific training related to the AP exam in their subject field.
  • Coordinate with instructors for the purpose of ensuring AP course audits are complete and courses are certified through The College Board.
  • Establish protocols for AP exam fees, waivers and registration deadlines for the purpose of ensuring the success of the program.
  • Maintain a list of AP instructors and training schedules over time for the purpose of tracking information.
  • Organize and supervise student exam registration (e.g. selection of appropriate exams, collection of fees, communication with student and parents regarding registration process and deadlines, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring proper and timely registration.
  • Oversee the logistics of AP examinations (e.g. orders exams; secures, trains, and pays proctors; prepares testing rooms; receives and returns exam shipments, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining fidelity to AP examination procedure.
  • Participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars as assigned for the purpose of gathering and/or conveying information required to perform the functions. 
  • Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g. student activities, correspondence, reports, internal audits, etc.) for the purpose of complying with regulatory requirements and established DESE guidelines.
  • Prepare AP exam data analysis reports for the purpose of measuring the success and growth of the program as well as opportunities for growth.
  • Promote AP courses via various methods (e.g. students and parents information sessions, marketing collateral, AP website, social media presence, etc.) for the purpose of driving student participation. 
  • Provide orientation for staff for the purpose of understanding schedules and other district processes and procedures. 
  • Provide recommendations of expenditures for activities, equipment and supplies for the purpose of enhancing the school programs.
  • Collaborate with the Special Education Director to review any specifics regarding nonstandard accommodations, and prints NAR forms for the purpose of providing accommodations to SPED and 504 students. 
  • Serve as a resource to AP instructors, administrators and other staff for the purpose of providing support and guidance based on subject area knowledge and experience. 
  • Verify completion and submission of Annual AP Survey & Participation form with College Board for the purpose of continuing participation in AP testing program.
  • Share AP Score reports with guidance counselors and principals. 
  • Submits all required reports in a timely manner. 
  • Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent and/or Asst. Superintendent.

Advanced Placement Coordination is done for the purpose/s of:

  • orchestrating Advanced Placement (AP) exams per the College Board national schedule,
  • conducting student and parent meetings to explain the benefits and advantages of participating in AP coursework,
  • identifying high school students who could be eligible to take AP classes,
  • disseminating and receiving information related to AP subject areas
  • working with high school principals to ensure that AP faculty receive appropriate training to be prepared to implement the College Board curriculum sufficiently,
  • planning and implementing activities and/or special events,
  • addressing operational issues related to their role as a coordinator of subject area activities at each school site,
  • providing recommendations of expenditures for activities, equipment, and supplies that enhance the school programs, and
  • serving as a resource to school staff by providing support and guidance based on their subject area knowledge and experience.

ESOL Coordinator Primary Performance Duties & Responsibilities

  • Ensure that the district complies with applicable federal and state laws and policies related to ELs
  • Act as the district point of contact for the state for matters related to ELs
  • Disseminating information from the state to educators/administrators in the district
  • Ensure the proper identification of ELs
  • Report ELs in eSchool (or work with counselor to accomplish)
  • Collaborate with the district testing coordinator to ensure proper assessment of EL students K-12.
  • Ensure the accuracy of the EL data in eSchool for the district
  • Ensure the proper instructional placement of ELs in the district
  • Ensure that the English language development program in the district adheres to best practices
  • Collaborate with the District Test Coordinator to administer the annual language proficiency testing (ELPA21) of ELs in the district
  • Coordinate Title III grant applications and district Title III activities, OR district English Learner Plan for Non-Title III districts
  • Coordinate professional development for ESOL and general education teachers in the district
  • Analyzing data concerning the ELs in the district and develop action plans to address areas of concern
  • Ensure a process for exiting, monitoring, (and possible re-entry) of students when they meet the state-defined, required exit criteria
  • Ensure that parents are provided with information as required by federal and state regulations

This document includes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.