INSTRUCTIONAL COACH - GIFTED AND TALENTED (ELEMENTARY)

Milwaukee Public Schools seeks an exceptional Central Service Teacher - Gifted and Talented (Elementary) candidate who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join our community of teachers, learners, and leaders.

The Central Service Teacher - Gifted and Talented (Elementary) will work with the district and teachers to support the implementation of research-based instructional strategies to meet the needs of students identified as high ability/high potential, and gifted/ talented students in elementary grades. This role includes coaching new and experienced teachers in the use of pedagogies and strategies that support advanced learners within the regular education classroom, serving as a coach to develop teacher capacity, and providing professional development on gifted education topics that align with a talent development model. The Central Services Teacher also coordinates extracurricular learning opportunities for students and families aimed at developing students' talents. Finally, the Central Services Teacher will collaborate with administrators, teachers, and stakeholders to ensure that the needs of advanced learners are met through effective instruction, curriculum differentiation, and program development.

Interested applicants should complete all sections of the application including the online submission of a current resume.

Applications for this position will be accepted through Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Any questions regarding Job Posting #1030130, can be directed to Donna Edwards at edwardd@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Eligible candidates must have:

• A bachelor's degree.
• A valid Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Teaching License (1-8)
• Gifted and Talented license (1013) or the ability to obtain one in 2 years
• Minimum of five (5) years of fully licensed teaching experience
• Reliable transportation with valid WI driver's license - travel to multiple schools occurs daily

Candidates with the following experience, skills, or education are preferred:

• Experience planning, teaching, and/or providing professional development in gifted and talented education.
• Experience leading and coordinating school-wide programs at the elementary level.
• Experience working successfully with diverse populations of students, including low-income students and their families.
• Using Gifted and Talented and STEM/STEAM resources and practices for schools and classrooms.
• Experience using the Teacher Observation for Potential in Students (TOPS) identification tool
• Experience networking and facilitation among diverse groups, e.g., teachers, students, parents/guardians, school district, and state administrators.
• Understanding of the diverse cognitive and affective needs of adults and students.
• Utilizing scaffolding for students above grade level.
• Supporting learning that engages students' interests, voice, and choice.
• Effective oral and written communication and presentation skills are required.
• Must be able to work with diverse individuals across the organization.
• Competency with computer technology, e.g., Word, Excel programs, Web-based programs, MPS student toolbox.
• Excellent listening and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to collaborate with others and demonstrate flexibility

Instructional Coaching

• Provides high-quality coaching services to classroom teachers across the district, implementing differentiated instruction strategies that align with MPS Talent Development Model.
• Builds teacher capacity by supporting teachers in the implementation of gifted pedagogies to promote and develop student gifts and talents.
• Supports lesson development utilizing district-adopted/endorsed materials and standards for advanced learners.
• Ensures that students have access to engage in enrichment opportunities to nurture and develop students' passions.
• Guides teachers in the use of data to identify and support gifted and talented students.

Mentorship

• Serves as a mentor for teachers, helping them to develop and refine their teaching practices using the latest research-based gifted and talented (GT) strategies.
• Builds teacher capacity by mentoring and modeling strategies and classroom lessons to meet advanced learners' academic and socioemotional needs.
• Offers ongoing support and feedback to new teachers as they integrate GT strategies into their classrooms.
• Facilitates reflective practice and professional growth among teachers, promoting a strong foundation in gifted education.

Professional Development

• Prepares and select materials for professional development for staff, parent workshops, and student enrichment opportunities.
• Identifies resources and supportive services to increase parent and student participation at parent and student events.
• Designs and deliver professional development sessions focused on gifted education for elementary school teachers district wide.
• Provides training on effective identification processes for gifted students and the implementation of appropriate instructional practices.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Analyzes student data to ensure equitable identification and services for students identifies as high-ability/high-potential, and gifted/ talented.
• Works in partnership with school staff, community partners, students, and parents in the implementation of services for advanced learners.
• Assists in developing curriculum resources, programs, and materials tailored to the needs of advanced learners.
• Provides written reports based on data analysis to improve data-driven initiatives and services for neuro-diverse students in middle schools.
• Collaborates with building administrators and district leaders to align GT programs with overall district initiatives and priorities.

Collaborative and Communication

• Reports directly to the Gifted and Talented Coordinator and the Advanced Academic Programs office about services being implemented in schools that provide gifted services for advanced students.
• Works with the Advanced Academic Team to receive directives for project implementations.
• Serves as a conduit for communication and collaboration among the multiple departments and community organizations to increase access to services for advanced and gifted learners.
• Collaborates with educational institutions seeking partnerships that will contribute to the creation of advanced learning opportunities for high-ability/high-potential and gifted/ talented students and their families.
• Attends required meetings and professional development opportunities across the district to share best practices and resources related to gifted education.
• Maintains a coaching log of daily and weekly activities.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The salary range for this position starts at $52,827.70 and increases according to a set salary schedule which is based on years' of work experience as a fully licensed teacher/pupil services educator in a K-12 setting and education beyond a bachelor's degree.

Salary range: $52,827.70 - 99,937.66 (191-day teacher calendar)

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.