Twice Exceptional (Gifted and Talented) Program Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Twice Exceptional (Leadership Enrichment Opportunities - LEO) Program Teacher is responsible for providing support to the instructional process of Lionsgate Academy Minnetonka’s LEO Program by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within 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.

Students are scheduled in the LEO class upon acceptance in the LEO program. Students take a LEO class each year, and they advance in cohorts. The Department Philosophy states: To provide twice exceptional (2e) learners opportunities to strengthen and apply critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills within their communities. The Themes of the LEO classes include: The LEADERSHIP strand promotes the development of strong communication, commitment, and integrity; The COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT strand promotes connection and collaboration with members of various communities; The REFLECTIVE LIFELONG LEARNER strand promotes introspection and motivation for self-betterment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Planning and Preparation

  • Develop lesson plans for grades 7 through grades 12 that ensure the attainment of district, state, and/or national learning standards and the additional learning standards set forth in the charter, support individual learning plans, and multiple learning styles

  • Work with other staff members in implementing accommodations and modifications

• Classroom Environment

  • Engage in effective and appropriate classroom management by providing an inviting, exciting, innovative, and challenging learning environment

• Professional Responsibilities

  • Attend Individual Education Plan Team meetings as general education representative to develop, design, and promote students’ educational, physical, and social development 

  • Maintain positive, professional relationships and use appropriate verbal, nonverbal and written communication with all individuals.

  • Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on students as required by law, policies, and administrative procedures

  • Participate in professional growth activities including conferences, workshops, coursework, training, committees, etc. specific to twice/exceptional gifted education

  • Involve families in the education process

  • Regular, prompt attendance

• LEO Class/Program

  • Develop programming to support effective strength-based instruction for twice-exceptional students (students identified as gifted/talented with an identified co-existing disability requiring Special Education services). Effectively deliver instruction that promotes an exemplary educational program which fosters achievement for all students in the program

  • Participate in the district LEO Committee and its meetings, which involves developing, evaluating, and maintaining the LEO program purpose, identification, and selection process, learning and incorporating current best practices and research of gifted and talented education and twice exceptional learners 

  • Collaborate with Lionsgate Academy Shoreview LEO program teacher to plan and host annual student/parent LEO program meeting

  • Provide training and consultation to teaching/support staff of advanced / twice-exceptional learners

  • Coordinate community based instruction for the LEO program, including annual overnight trips

  • As needed, advise or case manage students in the LEO program (see separate position descriptions of those positions)

OTHER POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with a team on developing, re-examining, revising and implementing an integrated and differentiated curriculum with integrated projects and use of universal language

• Complete IEP reporting forms and other student forms in a timely manner

• Explore, disseminate and apply knowledge and information about new or improved methods of instruction and related issues 

• Maintain digital course outlines

• As needed, teach an elective class that meets the needs of the students and the master schedule

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES:

• Experience in differentiation, using creative teaching techniques from project–based to direct-instruction in developing personalized learning plans for each student

• Entrepreneurial, innovative and flexible traits that will thrive in a learning environment 

• Experienced in the instruction of students with varied learning styles and levels of mastery 

• Demonstrated ability to work well with families 

• Ability to work effectively as a team member 

• Willingness to be held accountable for student results 

• Ability to evaluate tests and measurements of achievement 

$37,500 - $70,000 depending on education and experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

MENTAL DEMANDS:
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data or regulations. Ability to write reports and professional correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, co-workers, families, and students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Minnesota Teaching License in the appropriate licensure area through Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB): any licensure area

• Ability to operate a computer and the software necessary to complete required job tasks

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• If not currently or appropriately licensed, must be willing and eligible to apply for and receive a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Teaching License

• Certification in gifted education or demonstrated or experience working with advanced learners.

• Experience with qualitative differentiation of the core curriculum for advanced learners and struggling learners

• Demonstrated effective collaboration, consultation, co-teaching, modeling and coaching skills in working with adults

• Identified classroom experience & teaming experience with special education and regular education service teams

• Experience, interest and/or expertise with teaching twice exceptional students in the LEO Program at Lionsgate Academy