Gifted and Explorations Teacher

Job Title: Gifted and Explorations Teacher
Reports To: Building Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Days: 182
Salary: Determined by graduate degrees/hours and level of experience.
FY 27 Teacher Salary Schedule
Salary determined by graduate degrees/hours and level of experience. Salary Schedule Step 1 Salary Range: $46,280 - $54,211 (Bachelors - Specialist/Doctorate)
NOTE: District 19 recognizes all years of certified full time years of service when placing teachers on the salary schedule.
Board paid TRS
Benefits Package Available
 
Mascoutah Middle School is seeking a dynamic, creative, and forward-thinking Gifted and Explorations Teacher to lead our students through a journey of discovery. This isn't just a teaching position; it's an opportunity to design a world-class learning experience where high-ability students and eager explorers dive into the mysteries of science, the future of technology, and the keys to lifelong success. In this unique, blended role, you will be the catalyst for "lightbulb moments." You won't just follow a textbook�you will facilitate inquiry-driven adventures. From solving medical mysteries to piloting drones, you will help middle schoolers bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact.

JOB SUMMARY
Maximize the learning experience of middle school students by delivering a specialized, blended instructional program. This position provides advanced instructional strategies and enrichment for identified gifted students while simultaneously leading inquiry-driven exploration courses. The teacher will foster critical thinking, technical literacy, and real-world problem-solving through a schedule that includes gifted enrichment and specific grade-level modules:Medical Detectives, Drones and Robotics, and Personal Finance.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification/License:
  • Illinois Professional Educators License (PEL).
  • Required endorsement in Gifted Education (or district-approved commitment to obtain endorsement).
  • Middle school endorsement in a core content area (e.g., Science, Social Science, or Technology Education) to support elective instruction.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of successful teaching experience preferred.
  • Experience working with middle school students (grades 6-8) preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Instruction & Curriculum
  • Gifted Enrichment: Creates and implements rigorous, inquiry-based learning experiences aligned to district goals, Illinois Learning Standards, and gifted education objectives.
  • Medical Detectives: Facilitates hands-on modules where students play the role of medical investigators, analyzing genetic testing, DNA, and solving medical mysteries through lab work and data analysis.
  • Drones and Robotics: Provides instruction on the mechanics, programming, and ethical application of drone technology and robotics, emphasizing engineering design processes.
  • Personal Finance: Delivers a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum covering budgeting, investing, credit, and economic decision-making to prepare students for high school and beyond.
  • Designs and implements differentiated curriculum appropriate for gifted learners, including cross-disciplinary learning and authentic problem-solving.
  • Supports students' development of executive functioning, technical skills, and readiness for advanced high school coursework.
• Assessment & Progress Monitoring
  • Provides ongoing feedback using data to refine instruction and extend learning for both gifted and exploratory students.
  • Uses rubrics and performance-based assessments to evaluate project-based outcomes, technical proficiency, and inquiry-driven learning.
• Student Support & Development
  • Addresses the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted adolescents, including perfectionism, motivation, and peer relationships.
  • Supports student goal setting, self advocacy, and the development of independence, resilience, and self awareness as learners.
• Collaboration
  • Collaborates with grade-level teams and content-area teachers to enrich core instruction.
  • Works with the technology instructional coach to maintain and incorporate specialized equipment (drones, robotics kits, lab materials).
  • Participates in WIN (What I Need) time or other intervention/enrichment structures to ensure students receive appropriate levels of challenge.
• Program Leadership
  • Assists in the identification and placement of students for the Gifted Program using district-approved criteria.
  • Manages lab environments to ensure safety and effective use of specialized equipment.
  • Supports vertical alignment of the gifted and exploratory programs from elementary through high school.
• Professional Learning and Communication
  • Participates in professional development and school-wide enrichment or intervention structures to ensure students receive appropriate levels of challenge.
  • Maintains consistent communication with parents/guardians regarding student progress and unique programming opportunities.
  • Facilitates parent events specific to middle school gifted and/or exploratory programming.
• Classroom Environment & Management
  • Establishes a classroom environment that promotes intellectual risk-taking, safety in lab settings, and respectful discourse.
  • Maintains high expectations for student behavior aligned with middle school standards.
• ADDITIONAL DUTIES
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
    Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
     

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to facilitate class discussions, inquiry-based learning and project based learning.
• Knowledge of instructional principles, theories, testing, methods for gifted students, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students, especially in regards to gifted education, and Senate Bill 7 Illinois Learning Standards.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in relation to students, parents and faculty.
• Ability to develop a positive relationship with administration, staff, students and parents

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described below 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.
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires a reasonable duration of sitting, walking, and standing. The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment.
 
OTHER
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.