GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Under the supervision of the Coordinator of Advanced Learning, the Advanced Learning Specialist facilitates administers programs and coordinates services for gifted students, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE), Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), Activ8, Virtual and Honors programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Gifted/Advanced Learner Programming

• Administer gifted programs for screening, referral, identification, and placement of gifted students in cooperation with the school, student services, and administrative personnel to ensure equitable practices and policies; responsible for coordination of IB, AP, DE, Early College, AVID and Honors programs
• Assist in implementing procedures and processes to identify gifted students at all grade levels division-wide using various assessments to include development and implementation of new models of identification and support to address the disproportionality of underrepresented populations
• Conduct research on trends and best practices in various K-12 educational and gifted programs and educational equity
• Support learning opportunities for other audiences to provide information on the identification of gifted students and detail strategies for meeting the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted students, including the unique challenges, experiences, and needs of gifted students of color
• Assist teachers in the improvement of instructional delivery and performance
• Provide regular, school-based instructional support to ensure alignment of written and taught curriculum for gifted programs
• Assist the coordinator in planning meetings with specialists, teachers, administrators, and Central Office personnel to disseminate information regarding current developments and teaching practices in the field that affords equity and diversity within gifted and advanced academics
• Assist others in placement procedures and initial and ongoing assessment of gifted students' progress in academic growth in cooperation with school and administrative personnel
• Evaluate adherence to the school division's gifted plan, policies, and procedures
• Maintain data with assistance from Director of Assessment and State Reporting in reporting gifted students' enrollment and distribution of students within the school division in adherence to DPS policies, including disproportionality and underrepresented student groups and other selected information on gifted students
• Provide input in curriculum development to maintain program standards, including advanced content, original research or production, problem finding and solving, and higher-level thinking that leads to the generation of products, focus on issues, themes, and ideas within and across areas of study
• Provide information to gifted students' parents regarding the school division and support efforts to involve parents in their children's education
• Represent gifted students in division-wide planning and policy-making (such as admissions policy, strategic planning, evaluation policy, professional learning, and minority achievement)
• Review legislation, regulations, and policies at the state and division level to assess the impact on the gifted student population and recommend reaction, appropriate procedures for implementation, and incorporates state and division policies and recommendations for dismantling systemic racism and academic disproportionality
• Assist the Coordinator II - Advanced Learning in identifying district strengths and areas for improvement in advanced learning programs and recommend responses that maximize student achievement and participation.
• Take initiative and proactively identifies opportunities to strengthen one’s team and organization
• Work well in a fast-paced environment; demonstrates flexibility and adaptability with a sense of urgency and zeal for ensuring that all students in the school meet expectations and attain the foundational skills that lead to college, career, and civic readiness
• Model professionalism engages in reflection, self-led continuous improvement, seeks out feedback, and provides constructive feedback to colleagues
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Current knowledge of International Baccalaureate programs
• Current knowledge of advanced learning programs
• Committment to attend all necessary professional learning for IB programs
• Ability to provide intense coaching to teachers and school-based staff on the alignment of the written, taught, and tested curriculum
• Ability to provide district-level leadership regarding curriculum, pacing, and resources to support classroom instruction with a deep understanding of the progression of the knowledge, skills, and processes of education as defined in the Virginia Standards of Learning
• Ability to analyze data at the student, class, and school levels and be able to help teachers use this data to tailor their instruction and ultimately increase academic performance
• Comprehensive knowledge of child growth and development, large and small group instructional strategies, and the theory and pedagogy related to International Baccalaureate Programs
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style
• Demonstrated ability to observe and evaluate teaching practices
• Ability to relate easily to teachers and administrators and to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of groups
• Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Knowledge of theories related to the adult learner
• Ability to observe and assess the transfer of training and learning into practice
• Superior organizational skills
• Ability to problem-solve independently
• Proficient in the use of technology

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Valid Teaching License required.
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience.
• Masters degree required.
• Experience with Advanced Learning preferred
• Experience working in diverse settings
• Experience coaching and collaborating with teachers
• Experience planning for and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers
• Extensive experience with innovative teaching techniques, instructional materials, and current trends in education

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated by the Coordinator of Advanced Learning and based on the degree to which the Specialist fulfills the duties detailed herein.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

12-month contract; 260 days/year; 8 hours/day (minimum)