Duties
The CSD17 Elementary Enrichment (Gifted) program provides instructional support and enrichment opportunities for gifted and advanced learners in the elementary grades. The program is designed to ensure that students who demonstrate advanced academic potential are appropriately identified, challenged, and supported through research-based practices. The Elementary Enrichment (Gifted) Specialist collaborates with teachers and administrators to promote rigorous instruction and differentiated learning experiences that meet the needs of advanced learners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct instruction to identified gifted and advanced learners during the What I Need ("WIN") block or other appropriate times.
- Co-teach alongside general education teachers to support enrichment and advanced learning within the classroom environment.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to differentiate instruction across content areas for gifted and advanced learners.
- Design and implement rigorous, engaging enrichment lessons aligned with district curriculum and student learning needs.
- Support the identification, placement, and progress monitoring of gifted and talented students.
- Assist with coordination of early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, as well as whole-grade acceleration decisions, when applicable.
- Provide professional development, coaching, and instructional support to teachers related to gifted education and differentiation.
- Participate in instructional meetings, student support meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.
- Conduct classroom observations and provide feedback to support effective instructional practices.
- Maintain accurate documentation and records related to gifted services and programming.
- Collaborate with building administrators and district leadership to support gifted programming and initiatives.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current in gifted education research and best practices.
- Collaborate with administrators to annually update and manage the Accelerated Learning Program & make appropriate, researched-based recommendations (Google Sites)
- Oversee the implementation and daily management of the district's Accelerated Learning Program (ALP), ensuring compliance with the Illinois Accelerated Placement Act and district policy.
- Maintain program documentation, including procedures, eligibility criteria, assessment evidence, student plans, referral records, and placement decisions.
- Coordinate accelerated placement decisions by facilitating the team process (e.g., Accelerated Placement Team meetings)
- Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, teachers, and administrators regarding accelerated learning placements, procedures, and program requirements.
- Lead or coordinate the evaluation process for students considered for accelerated placement or gifted-related services, including review of assessment data (e.g., MAP, IAR, teacher recommendations, social-emotional indicators).
- Review and interpret student performance data to guide decisions about acceleration, subject-area placement, or differentiation needs.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized accelerated learning plans for students participating in ALP or gifted services, differentiating instruction according to each learner's readiness and strengths.
- Stay current on research, state law, and best practices related to gifted education, acceleration strategies, and advanced learning supports.
- Represent the Accelerated Learning Program at school and district levels, advocating for high-quality, equitable services for gifted and advanced learners.
- Other duties as assigned by the building principals, MTSS Coordinator, or Superintendent.
Qualifications
Current, valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement (or in progress)
Experience working with gifted and advanced learners at the elementary level.
Experience collaborating with general education teachers and instructional teams.
Knowledge of enrichment, differentiation, and acceleration models.
Salary/Benefits
Collective Bargaining Agreement