Teacher - Gifted and Talented - Taft Elementary School

Mesa Public Schools; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Sick leave

Retirement benefits via ASRS

Life insurance

Job summary

Mesa Public Schools is seeking a gifted resource teacher to support identified gifted elementary students with pullout instruction and campus-based enrichment. The role focuses on providing advanced learning experiences and addressing intellectual and social-emotional needs, while collaborating with staff across sites.

Candidates must have Arizona certification, a valid teaching credential, and demonstrated commitment to gifted services, with a willingness to participate in ongoing professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Arizona Teaching Certification required.
• Prior teaching experience required.
• Associate teacher, student teaching or practicum experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates advanced subject matter knowledge for gifted learners.
• Delivers differentiated, in-depth pullout instruction and enrichment.
• Plans lessons aligned to gifted program goals and standards.
• Uses technology to enhance learning and assessment.
• Maintains accurate student records and communication with families.
• Collaborates with staff to support identification and services for gifted learners.
• Engages in professional development and district initiatives.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

Arizona teaching certification

Gifted education

Differentiated instruction

Data-driven instruction

Professional collaboration

Communication skills

Professional presentation

Growth mindset

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Arizona teaching certification

Student teaching or practicum

Job description

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type

Full-time

Base Salary

$55,886.00

Calendar

Certified Exempt, 187 workdays

Benefits

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay

Available annually

New Hire Experience

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary

The gifted resource teacher will support identified gifted elementary students in reaching their full potential by providing advanced learning experiences through pullout instruction and campus-based enrichment support. The teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive and appropriate educational environment while addressing the intellectual and social-emotional needs of gifted learners. The position includes collaboration with school and district staff to support enrichment opportunities and gifted student identification across assigned sites. Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of advanced subject matter, instructional strategies, and resources appropriate for gifted learners
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques to facilitate learning in a pullout classroom setting
• Considers the individual learning needs, abilities, and social-emotional characteristics of gifted students, as well as school and district goals, in the preparation and implementation of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments
• Plans and delivers differentiated, in-depth learning experiences that incorporate higher-level thinking, creativity, and real-world applications
• Creates instructional and assessment materials aligned to learning objectives and the unique needs of gifted learners
• Uses available technology and instructional media to enhance student learning experiences
• Continuously and accurately collects and analyzes student learning data to inform instructional decisions and support student growth
• Establishes, supports, and maintains a positive and appropriate learning environment that fosters intellectual risk-taking and independence
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, school staff, and district personnel; communicates effectively regarding student progress, gifted characteristics, and services
• Collaborates with classroom teachers, coaches, and administrators to support differentiation, enrichment, and gifted programming across assigned campuses
• Supports the identification of gifted students, including organizing, administering, and communicating assessment processes and results in accordance with district procedures
• Works with school personnel and families to support the academic and social-emotional development of gifted learners
• Maintains accurate student records related to achievement, participation, and identification
• Participates in professional learning and collaborates with colleagues to improve instructional practices and gifted services
• Takes an active role in supporting school and district goals and initiatives
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certification
• Prior teaching experience
• Associate teacher, student teaching or practicum experience

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible
• Appropriately communicates and interacts with other staff in academic planning and school committee work
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional growth

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This position will require some travel during the week
• Traditional setup with desks, whiteboards, and digital tools like projectors or interactive televisions
• Teachers may supervise students in hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces
• Normal 8-hour workday except parent-teacher conferences, professional development, and extracurricular activities may extend work hours
• Engaging with diverse students, managing classroom behavior, and addressing learning differences
• Teachers often spend long hours standing and walking around the classroom or school premises
• May need to lift books, teaching materials, and classroom supplies (usually under 20 lbs. but sometimes more)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.