POSITION: Talented and Gifted (TAG) Specialist

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION: Curriculum & Instruction

REPORTS TO: Talented and Gifted Supervisor

REVISION / REVIEW DATE: July 1, 2020

JOB CODE:110

UNION: PGCEA

CLASSIFICATION: PGCEA

GRADE: 2-7

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Talented and Gifted Specialist is responsible for assisting Supervisor with implementation of the TAG program, program design and implementation, curriculum development, and staff development and training.     

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborates with new and experienced TAG teachers as a mentor/advisor to support them in the school Talented and Gifted program;

Assists teachers and administrators in evaluating strengths and weaknesses of TAG programs and materials within the regular classroom, the pull out program, and the TAG Center program;

Provides support and resources to school based coordinators of TAG programs;

Creates, revises, teaches and evaluates TAG workshops for new and experienced teachers;

Assists school based personnel and Special Education TAG Instructional Specialist with support programs for TAG students that are underperforming or identified as “twice exceptional”;

Acts as a liaison between the TAG Office and administrators to implement the TAG program;

Provides instruction and professional development in the implementation of strategies that exemplify best practices in gifted education;

Attends meetings and professional development sessions at the district, state, and national level to remain current on research and trends in gifted education.

Meets with coordinators and program teams to ensure that gifted education strategies are used effectively in classroom instruction;

Reviews assessment data related to TAG students and supports staff in using this data in instructional decision making;

Observes and gives feedback on instruction in TRC, TAG Center, and Pull-Out classes;

Works with the community, parents and outside agencies to facilitate Gifted Education awareness;

Supports and interacts with local, state and national gifted organizations;

Coordinates on-site mentoring and partnerships that address gifted students’ interests;

Presents a variety of in-service sessions for teachers and parents including informational sessions;

Monitors the implementation of the TAG testing and identification procedures at the school;

Provides guidance and feedback in grouping, scheduling, and program implementation;

Assists in recruitment efforts;

Instructs groups of students;

Ensures that appropriate materials of instruction are provided;

Assists school coordinators with the orientation of new TAG students to TAG program elements; and

Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of five years of successful teaching experience with Talented and Gifted students;

Experience as Talented and Gifted Coordinator;

Thorough knowledge of the Gifted Education pedagogy and current best practices;

Demonstrated competence in developing and leading staff development sessions for a variety of audiences;

Knowledge of MSDE Criteria for Excellence Guidelines for Gifted Education Programs and COMAR regulations;

Formal training in best practices in gifted education, including meeting the social, emotion, and intellectual needs of gifted students.

Ability to collaborate with others;

Ability to use and interpret student performance data;

Ability to provide professional development support to teachers;

Ability to administer cognitive ability and achievement assessments;

Must have strong organizational and strategic planning skills;

Excellent interpersonal and oral communications skills.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:   Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution required; educational background and training in gifted education.    

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   Holds a Maryland Standard Professional Certificate; Advanced Professional Certificate preferred.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: None.

Prince George’s County Public Schools • www.pgcps.org • 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772