Advanced Academics Specialist

La Porte ISD - Advanced Academics Specialist

Description/Notes: This position is for the  school year.

The Advanced Academics Specialist supports the design, coordination, and evaluation of the district’s Gifted and Talented (GT) and advanced academic programs to ensure compliance with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students and to promote equitable access to rigorous, challenging learning opportunities for all students. This role provides direct instructional support, professional learning, and guidance to campus staff to ensure the implementation of research-based practices that meet the needs of advanced learners.

• Support the implementation of district GT services in alignment with the Texas State Plan for Gifted/Talented Students.
• Ensure compliance with state and district requirements for identification, service design, curriculum, and evaluation.
• Maintain and update advanced academic program documentation, including procedures, forms, and annual reports.
• Assist campuses with appropriate student placement and service options.

• Collaborate with teachers to design differentiated learning experiences that extend and enrich the core curriculum for advanced learners.
• Model and coach research-based instructional strategies for advanced students including implementation of TPSP.
• Provide resources and strategies to support depth, complexity, and higher-order thinking skills across content areas.
• Monitor and support campus implementation of gifted/talented programs and services.

• Develop and implement professional learning opportunities to meet the state-mandated 30-hour GT foundational training and 6-hour annual updates.
• Support teacher capacity in differentiation, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and other high-yield strategies for advanced learners including TPSP.
• Track professional learning documentation for 30-hour GT foundational training and 6-hour annual updates in alignment with the Texas State Plan for Gifted/Talented Students.

• Coordinate enrichment opportunities such as academic competitions, showcases, and student leadership programs.
• Promote college and career readiness pathways, including AP, Dual Credit, and other advanced courses.
• Communicate program opportunities, requirements, and successes to families, staff, and the community.

• Assist with identification processes, including the administration and interpretation of assessments.
• Analyze student achievement and program participation data to inform program improvements.
• Maintain accurate records for PEIMS reporting and gifted/talented programming compliance.

• Participate in district and campus leadership meetings to advocate for the needs of advanced learners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Posture:
  Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion:
  Frequent walking
• Lifting:
  Frequent light lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling (less than 15 pounds); occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling (up to 50 pounds)
• Environment:
  Work inside and outside, regular exposure to noise and the elements
• Mental Demands:
  Maintain control under stress
• Travel:
  Requires frequent travel within school district

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Texas teaching certificate
• Minimum of 30 Gifted and Talented Education hours and updates annually
• Gifted and Talented supplemental certification (preferred)
• Principal or Mid-Management Certification (preferred)

• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Deep understanding of gifted education, differentiation, and college readiness standards
• Strong instructional coaching and professional development facilitation skills
• Knowledge of advanced academics coursework (grades 1-12)
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to analyze data and implement evidence-based instructional strategies

• Three years successful experience as a classroom teacher
• Experience teaching gifted and talented students
• Experience in campus leadership roles

Assignment

Certified Classroom Teacher Pay Scale, 11 Duty Months - 205 days

$69,064 for beginning teacher with "0" years experience, based on  Compensation Plan

Salary based on experience

$1,000 Master's Degree addenda

Additional $1,000 Doctorate Degree addenda

The District contributes $400/month to the cost of employee only health insurance, which is $175/month greater than the state required amount of $225/month.