Gifted Education Program Specialist, Durango School District, FTE

Gifted Education Program Specialist

Durango School District is accepting applications for a Gifted Education Program Specialist. Existing Durango School District 181 Day Licensed Staff hired into this position will be placed on the Cell they currently reside on times 1.05 index plus an additional 10 days for the total salary, per the Licensed Compensation System guidelines. New hires to the District will be placed within the range below.

Begins August 3, 2026. For the 26/27 SY, this position includes a $1,800 one-time bonus! (Note, bonus pro-rated for late start and FTE)

Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to assist schools in ensuring gifted student social-emotional and academic growth through systems of support, programming, and advocacy.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Capacity Building:
  Plan, develop, and deliver professional learning designed specifically to increase capacity in principals, gifted teachers, cluster teachers, special service providers, and administrators as it relates to gifted education.
• Coaching & Observation:
  Conduct classroom visits, observe cluster teacher classrooms, and model best practices to provide feedback and instructional coaching to staff responsible for delivering services to gifted learners.
• Strategic Planning:
  Lead the development and implementation of the Gifted Education "Comprehensive Program Plan" and support the implementation of additional district strategic plans.
• MTSS & Assessments:
  Foster the inclusion of gifted education into Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and assessment programs throughout the administrative unit.

• District-Wide Initiatives:
  Lead and manage district-wide innovative programs that support gifted and all students, including the Ignite Bus, Destination Imagination, Lego League, and others as assigned.
• Instructional Support:
  Assist schools in developing instructional materials, resources, and master schedules that provide for the delivery of gifted services.
• External Networking:
  Network with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Gifted Education Regional Consultant and other district/regional liaisons.

• Identification Systems:
  Provide leadership and facilitate meetings related to the identification of gifted children, prioritizing a sustainable plan to increase identification of underrepresented populations.
• ALP Development:
  Support schools in developing and implementing Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) for identified students, ensuring staff are involved in the development process.
• Audits & Reporting:
  Conduct routine audits of school-based services to ensure compliance with ALPs and ECEA Rules; assist with state reporting and progress monitoring.
• Data Analysis:
  Disaggregate gifted student data and report findings to building and district leadership.
• Budget & Grants:
  Oversee the budget and ordering of assessment materials; support the administration of the Universal Screening and Qualified Personnel grant.

• Affective Support:
  Integrate the social-emotional needs of gifted students into programming guided by Colorado affective goal standards.
• Specialist
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Assist counselors and social workers in meeting the social-emotional needs of gifted students.
• Family Engagement:
  Provide leadership on the Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council and develop positive relationships with families and community members.
• Student Advocacy:
  Serve as an advocate for the needs of gifted students in a professional and appropriate manner.

Additional job requirements include ensuring the safety and welfare of students at all times, demonstrating faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work, reporting suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law, and fulfilling other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, or their designees.

Education and training requirements include a minimum Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with extensive training in gifted education, a preferred Master's Degree in Gifted Education, and highly qualified (or in process) with one of three Colorado Gifted Endorsements:
Core Gifted, Gifted Specialist, or Gifted Director.

Experience requirements include three to five years of successful teaching experience is required, and proven experience with gifted characteristics, identification techniques, and program models.

Technical skills, knowledge, and abilities include excellent interpersonal relations and oral/written communication skills, ability to implement IEPs, 504s, and behavior support plans for twice-exceptional students, ability to promote and follow Board, District,…