Elementary Gifted Teacher

Elementary Gifted Teacher(PROBE):
Architect of Wonder

Location:

Ferguson-Florissant School District Elementary Site (K-5)

Program: PROBE (Programs Offering Beneficial Experiences)

Year:  School Year

In Ferguson-Florissant, we believe that giftedness is a journey of discovery that begins the moment a child starts to ask "Why?" We are looking for a creative, intellectually curious, and equity-minded Gifted Teacher to join our PROBE program at the elementary level. You aren't just a teacher; you are a facilitator of wonder, a mentor to divergent thinkers, and a champion for scholars who see the world through a different lens.

As part of the FFSD "New Chapter," you will create a learning sanctuary where "out-of-the-box" thinking isn't just encouraged—it's the curriculum. If you are ready to challenge our most advanced young minds to explore, create, and lead, your next chapter starts here.

As a PROBE teacher, you will provide a specialized, high-interest curriculum designed to meet the unique academic and social-emotional needs of gifted elementary scholars. Working in a student-centered environment, you will deliver interdisciplinary units that emphasize critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and independent inquiry. You will serve as an advocate for gifted education within your building, ensuring that our program identifies and serves a diverse population of students who represent the full brilliance of our community.

• The Gifted Specialist: You hold a valid Missouri Teaching Certification in Gifted Education (K-12).
• Degree Requirements: Bachelor's Degree required;
  Master's Degree in Gifted Education or a related field of high-ability learning is highly preferred.
• The "Inquiry" Expert: You are a master of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and the "maker" mindset, capable of turning complex concepts into age-appropriate adventures for K-5 students.
• Equity Champion: You are committed to the PROBE mission of inclusive excellence, ensuring that gifted identification and services reach students from all backgrounds, cultures, and zip codes.
• Relational Expert: You understand "asynchronous development"—the idea that a child can be a genius in math but still a 7-year-old at heart—and you provide the empathy and structure they need to flourish.

• Design the Deep Dive: Develop and implement rigorous, thematic units that allow students to explore everything from robotics and philosophy to environmental science and the arts.
• Facilitate Higher-Order Thinking: Move beyond standard grade-level expectations to challenge students with evaluative, analytical, and creative tasks that push the boundaries of traditional elementary learning.
• Nurture the Social-Emotional: Lead small-group discussions and activities that address the unique needs of gifted children, such as perfectionism, intense curiosity, and peer relationships.
• Advocate for Identification: Partner with classroom teachers and families to identify students for the PROBE program, with a specific focus on unearthing "hidden" talent in underrepresented populations.
• Building Consultant: Act as a resident expert for staff and families, providing differentiation strategies and resources to support high-ability learners throughout the school day.

• Primary Support: Coordinator of Gifted Programs

• Classification: Exempt, Certified Staff
• Work Year: 10-Month Academic Calendar (187 Contract Days)
• Salary: Based on the Teacher Salary Schedule, determined by experience and advanced degree attainment.
• Benefits: Full-time Eligibility (Medical, Dental, Vision, & PSRS/PEERS Retirement).

We don't just hire teachers; we invest in the architects of wonder.

• The PROBE Toolkit: Access to specialized instructional materials, technology, and a dedicated budget for gifted-specific enrichment.
• Health & Heart: 100% district-paid medical, dental, and vision plans, plus access to our Ferg-Flor Care district health clinic for your wellness.
• A Collaborative Network: Join a passionate team of PROBE educators who share resources, ideas, and a commitment to student brilliance.

The Ferguson-Florissant School District is a community-centered district in suburban St. Louis. We believe that every child deserves to be challenged at their level of potential. Through our PROBE program, we are building a "New Chapter" where elementary brilliance is celebrated and sustained.

• Final date to receive applications:
  Until Filled

Ready to help our littlest leaders change the world? Join our fantastic team today!