Easter Seals Jobs

Job Title: Lead Teacher, Middle School Language Arts

Description: Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver is an exemplary program designed for gifted children. Established in 1984, Ricks provides nationally recognized gifted education to approximately 200 students ranging from preschool through eighth grade, who demonstrate exceptional, differentiated abilities and learning. The Ricks Center offers a progressive model of education focused on developing the intellectual, social, emotional, creative, and physical needs of the gifted child. Our diverse student body benefits from small class sizes, expert teachers, a wide range of content offerings, an integrated curriculum, and a focus on community, care, and engagement.

Position Summary

The Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver invites applications for a Lead Teacher in Middle School Language Arts (5th-8th grade). We desire a candidate who is adept at developing relationships with a diverse group of gifted students with varying abilities and, therefore, can differentiate curriculum, individualize and compact instruction, and ensure a depth of conceptual understanding. This position requires a dynamic individual who models a passion for and expertise in holistic education, and who can collaborate effectively with the division team to develop and implement curriculum, track student progress, and group students for differentiation. The candidate is dedicated to developmentally appropriate practice and must be highly flexible. The ideal candidate will have a keen understanding of the competency of all children, respect for diversity, and a deep commitment to reflective practice. Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather condition s, be comfortable sitting on the ground and getting dirty and naturally embrace children's curiosity and creativity. A deep understanding of the gifted child and how to support twice-exceptional students is required.

Essential Functions

Curriculum Planning, Teaching, and Assessment

• Integrate curriculum and lead teaching team around emergent themes with constructed learning provocations, essential questions, and higher-level Blooms Taxonomy activities.
• Implement structures and systems to boost students' demonstrations of learning.
• Assess student development, creations, projects, and conversations using a variety of assessment techniques.
• Plan, document, teach, and assess units and lessons that foster student engagement.
• Collaborate with teachers and administration in developing integrated units.
• Utilize a variety of curriculum for student engagement and assessment.
• Balance skills, concepts, and application allowing for student direction and interest in creating projects.
• Integrate gifted sensitivities, depth and complexity, and
• Provide individual and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with varying abilities, and to accommodate a variety of instructional activities
• Instruct students in proper care and use of tools and equipment and to maintain an orderly workspace
• Evaluate each student's performance and growth according to grade-level standards
• Complete report cards and other assessments as needed

• Effectively lead associate teachers and student workers, sharing responsibility for planning, student development, parent communication, decision making and other components of the job Relationship Building, Best Practice and Communication

• Build relationships with students, parents, staff and other community members including proactive outreach on positive aspects of learning.

• Collaborate with support team and specialist.
• Grouping students to best fit need and ensure growth.

• Inform parents of student progress utilizing a narrative approach. Professional

• Create professional goals and participate in professional learning communities including coaching, mentoring and self-reflection

• Participate in school-wide curriculum alignment, scope and sequence planning and yearly strategic initiatives
• Participate in inquiry action cycles focused on student growth
• Engage in our culture of high expectations and continuous personal development.

• Other duties as required Maintenance and Logistics

• Establish and maintain routines and utilize positive, collaborative approaches to student behavior management, approaching behavior as learning opportunities.

• Organize storage areas and control use of materials, equipment, and tools to prevent loss or abuse, and to minimize time required for distribution and collection
• Document practices and create a digital library of resources
• Support the school mission through active involvement in the school community, College of Education, and the University of Denver.
• Select and requisition books, instructional materials, tools, and instructional aids, and maintain supplies inventory
• Plan and present student work, displays, and exhibitions designed to exhibit students' work in the school, DU, and the larger community.

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the administration Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

• Ability to problem solve