2026/2027 Elementary Teacher, QUEST

Leander ISD; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Leander Independent School District is seeking a gifted education teacher to identify and support identified gifted students. The role includes planning individualized study, delivering instruction, and collaborating with staff and parents to foster student growth.

The successful candidate will create a positive classroom environment, maintain records, and provide training on gifted education to colleagues and administrators.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of subject assigned; curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior; organize, communicate, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assesses students for identification into gifted program following testing procedures.
• Provides training for other teachers, parents and administrators regarding gifted education.
• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
• Plans a program of study that meets individual needs, interests, and abilities of gifted students.
• Creates a conducive classroom environment and maintains order.
• Maintains records and communicates progress to supervisor.

Skills

Knowledge of curriculum and teaching

Classroom management and communication

Education

Bachelor's degree from accredited university

Texas teaching certificate with endorsements or required training

GT training/Certificate/Endorsement/Masters in Gifted Education

Student teaching, internship, fieldwork for certification

Job description

If hired, the State Board for Educator Certification will require all first time applicants for an initial credential to be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. A cost of up to $49.00 will be charged for fingerprinting.

Primary Purpose

To help meet the educational, affective and personal needs of identified gifted students that will contribute to their development as mature, able and responsible men and women.

Major Responsibilities And Duties

• Assesses students for purposes of identification into gifted program, following standardized testing procedures and requirements.
• Provides training for other teachers, parents and administrators regarding general and specific issues of gifted education.
• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
• Plans a program of study that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of gifted students.
• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for all lesions, units, projects and the like to communicate these objectives to students.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Strives to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administration regulation.
• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s) and, cooperatively with department heads, evaluates their job performance.
• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Helps students analyze and improve study methods and habits.
• Conducts ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Seeks assistance for students who are consistently performing below grade level.
• Assumes responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned and sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal.
• Is a positive role model for students and support mission of school district.
• Creates classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Manages student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assists in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
• Establishes and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
• Maintains a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participates in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Keeps informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance to ensure a consistent focus on student learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises assigned teacher aide(s) and volunteer(s), student teacher(s), intern(s), beginning teacher(s) and evaluates their job performance when needed.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Education/Certification/Experience

• Bachelor's degree from accredited university.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with either required endorsements or required training for subject and level assigned.
• 30 Hrs GT-Trained/Certificate/Endorsement/Masters in Gifted Education.
• Student teaching, internship, fieldwork, observation and all other placements required by universities or state approved programs for certification.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of subject assigned; curriculum and instruction.
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior; organize, communicate, and have interpersonal skills.

Mental/Physical/Environmental Demands

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions during portions of work day.
• Needs to move about inside the classroom or campus to monitor students as necessary.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
• Frequent moving of small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.
• Occasional requires lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules of others on short-term basis.
• Ability to make decisions which have significant impact on the immediate work unit and monitor impact outside immediate work unit.
• Maintain composure and professionalism at all times.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer