Gifted and Enrichment Elementary Teacher

WILKINSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT

718 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

GIFTED & ENRICHMENT ELEMENTARY TEACHER

Job Description

ABOUT THE DISTRICT:
The Wilkinsburg School District is a small, urban public school district serving approximately 500 students. The district operates two elementary schools, offering education from Pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Through an educational partnership, students in grades 7–12 attend Pittsburgh Public Schools, gaining access to expanded academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services. The Wilkinsburg School District is dedicated to advancing academic excellence and promoting the social and emotional well-being of all its students.

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Gifted & Enrichment Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering differentiated instruction and enrichment opportunities that challenge and support identified gifted and high-achieving students. This educator will play a key role in developing and implementing a comprehensive enrichment program that supports students identified as mentally gifted, as well as those who demonstrate advanced academic performance, creativity, leadership, and potential for higher-level learning experiences.

Using a culturally responsive and inclusive approach, the Gifted & Enrichment Teacher fosters advanced academic growth, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and independent learning through innovative, engaging instructional practices. The position emphasizes equitable access to enrichment opportunities that cultivate intellectual curiosity and expand definitions of talent and giftedness across diverse learner populations.  The Gifted Enrichment Teacher will also play a critical role in broadening traditional conceptions of giftedness by identifying and nurturing strengths that may not always be reflected in standardized measures, including creativity, leadership, innovation, problem-solving ability, and other non-traditional expressions of advanced potential.

The Gifted & Enrichment Teacher is a member of the Wilkinsburg Education Association (WEA) and is subject to the conditions of employment as outlined in the negotiated contract.  The position reports directly to the building principals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Instruction and Enrichment Program Development
   1. Design and deliver inquiry-based, project-based, and enrichment learning experiences aligned to District curriculum, Pennsylvania gifted education requirements, and state standards.
   2. Build and implement a comprehensive enrichment program to support high-achieving students and those identified as mentally gifted.
   3. Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs through individualized, flexible grouping, and small-group learning opportunities.
   4. Integrate creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technology to enhance student engagement and real-world application.
   5. Utilize assessment data, student performance measures, and progress monitoring to inform instructional decisions and identify student strengths and needs.
   6. Develop learning experiences through a culturally responsive and inclusive lens that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, talents, and ways of learning.
2. Gifted Education Support and Collaboration
   1. Collaborate with classroom teachers to embed enrichment and extension opportunities across grade levels and content areas.
   2. In collaboration with the school psychologist, lead the Gifted screening process.
   3. Provide resources, coaching, and instructional support to faculty on best practices in gifted education, enrichment strategies, and higher-order thinking opportunities.
   4. Promote equitable access to enrichment opportunities and support the identification and development of diverse gifted learners.
   5. Demonstrate the ability to recognize characteristics of giftedness that may not align with traditional or standardized indicators, including strengths in creativity, leadership, problem-solving, visual-spatial reasoning, innovation, and other non-traditional expressions of gifted potential, in order to expand and strengthen equitable identification practices.
3. Gifted Programming and Academic Competitions
   1. Coordinate and manage district participation in academic enrichment programs and competitions, including Math Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, Academic Games, and similar opportunities.
   2. Develop and facilitate enrichment clubs, field trips, advanced learning experiences, and special programming that promote student engagement and achievement.
   3. Coordinate events and opportunities that showcase student learning, creativity, and academic excellence.
4. GIEP Management and Family Collaboration
   1. Manage the Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) process, including timelines, meetings, documentation, compliance, progress monitoring, and service coordination.
   2. Collaborate with families, school teams, and administrators to ensure gifted students receive appropriate educational programming and support.
   3. Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, enrichment opportunities, and gifted programming initiatives.
   4. Maintain compliance with district, state, and federal requirements related to gifted education.
5. Learning Environment and Professional Responsibilities
   1. Maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, innovation, creativity, and intellectual risk-taking.
   2. Manage enrichment resources, instructional materials, and program-related supplies effectively.
   3. Participate in school duties, committees, district initiatives, and ongoing professional learning opportunities.
   4. Promote innovative practices that advance enrichment and gifted education programming across the district.
6. Other duties as assigned by the Principals and/or Superintendent.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. A Bachelor's degree in Education, Teaching, and a valid Pennsylvania teaching certificate, eligible for instruction for Kindergarten through 6th grade, or a related field is required; a Master's Degree is preferred.
2. PDE Gifted Education Program Endorsement or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe
3. Experience working with gifted or high-achieving students preferred
4. Knowledge of Pennsylvania Chapter 16 regulations and experience developing and implementing GIEPs.
5. Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and enrichment strategies
6. Ability to analyze student data to inform instruction

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the school district.

The Wilkinsburg School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer