Junior Lead Teacher, Ricks Center for Gifted Children

Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver is a Preschool to Grade 8 school serving the needs of gifted children since 1984. 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 Junior Lead Teacher is assigned to a particular grade level or may be split between grade levels and reports to the Lead Teacher(s). The Jr. Lead Teacher works with the Lead Teacher to differentiate instruction, compact curriculum, ensure a depth of conceptual understanding, and develop curriculum that is responsive to the learning needs and interests of the students. Under the Lead Teacher’s guidance and mentorship, the Jr. Lead Teacher develops and implements curriculum, monitors student progress and uses the information to inform instructional practices. In the occasional absence of the Lead Teacher, the Jr. Lead Teacher assumes full responsibility of the classroom.

Essential Functions

Curriculum Planning, Student Teaching and Assessment (under the guidance and direction of the Lead Teacher)

• Develops integrated inquiry-based curriculum including learning provocations, essential questions, high-level thinking activities, and assessment.
• Implements structures and systems to promote students’ learning.
• Assesses student development using a variety of assessment techniques and means.
• Plans, documents, teaches and assesses units and lessons that foster student engagement. Collaborates with teachers and administration in developing integrated units.
• Utilizes a variety of curricula for student engagement and assessment.
• Balances skills and concept development that reflect student needs, ideas, and interests. Integrates gifted sensitivities and intensities into strengths-based learning experiences.
• Provides individual and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students with varying abilities and learning profiles to promote differentiation and engagement.
• Uses flexibility in instructional practices to reflect the differentiated needs of the students.
• Instructs students in proper care and use of tools and equipment and to maintain an orderly workspace. Evaluates student performance and growth to inform instruction.
• Completes reflections of learning and other summative assessments as needed.
• Effectively leads student workers in planning for student development, parent communication, decision making, and other components of the job.

Relationship Building, Best Practice and Communication

• Builds and sustains positive relationships with students, parents, staff and other community members. Collaborates with the Student Support Team and specialists.
• Develops a supportive, cohesive classroom learning community. Informs parents of student progress utilizing a narrative approach.
  Professional
• Creates professional goals and participates in professional learning communities, including coaching, mentoring, and self-reflection.
• Participates in school-wide curriculum alignment, scope and sequence planning, and yearly strategic initiatives.
• Participates in inquiry action cycles focused on student growth and professional learning.
• Attends all professional development provided.
• Engages in a culture of high expectations and continuous personal development.
• Other duties as required.

Maintenance and Logistics

• Establishes and maintains routines and utilizes positive discipline, and collaborative approaches to student behavior management.
• Organizes storage areas and coordinates the use of materials, equipment, and tools to prevent loss or abuse and to minimize the time required for distribution and collection.
• Documents and communicates student learning.
• Implements a learning management system to communicate with students, families, and teachers.
• Supports the school mission through active involvement in the school community, College of Education, and the University of Denver.
• Selects and requisitions books, instructional materials, tools, and instructional aids, and maintains supplies inventory.
•  Plans and presents student work, displays, and exhibitions designed to exhibit students’ learning within the school, DU, and the larger community.
• Performs any other duties as may be assigned by administration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to build relationships with children at a variety of age level