Twice Exceptional (Gifted and Talented) Program Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Twice Exceptional (Leadership Enrichment Opportunities - LEO) Program Teacher is responsible for providing support to the instructional process of Lionsgate Academy Minnetonka’s LEO Program by serving as a teacher with specific responsibility for supervising students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers, other professional staff, and administrators in addressing instructional and/or classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from students’ parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

Students are scheduled in the LEO class upon acceptance in the LEO program. Students take a LEO class each year, and they advance in cohorts. The Department Philosophy states: To provide twice exceptional (2e) learners opportunities to strengthen and apply critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills within their communities. The Themes of the LEO classes include: The LEADERSHIP strand promotes the development of strong communication, commitment, and integrity; The COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT strand promotes connection and collaboration with members of various communities; The REFLECTIVE LIFELONG LEARNER strand promotes introspection and motivation for self-betterment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Planning and Preparation

  • Develop lesson plans for grades 7 through grades 12 that ensure the attainment of district, state, and/or national learning standards and the additional learning standards set forth in the charter, support individual learning plans, and multiple learning styles

  • Work with other staff members in implementing accommodations and modifications

• Classroom Environment

  • Engage in effective and appropriate classroom management by providing an inviting, exciting, innovative, and challenging learning environment

• Professional Responsibilities

  • Attend Individual Education Plan Team meetings as general education representative to develop, design, and promote students’ educational, physical, and social development 

  • Maintain positive, professional relationships and use appropriate verbal, nonverbal and written communication with all individuals.

  • Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on students as required by law, policies, and administrative procedures

  • Participate in professional growth activities including conferences, workshops, coursework, training, committees, etc. specific to twice/exceptional gifted education

  • Involve families in the education process

  • Regular, prompt attendance

• LEO Class/Program

  • Develop programming to support effective strength-based instruction for twice-exceptional students (students identified as gifted/talented with an identified co-existing disability requiring Special Education services). Effectively deliver instruction that promotes an exemplary educational program which fosters achievement for all students in the program

  • Participate in the district LEO Committee and its meetings, which involves developing, evaluating, and maintaining the LEO program purpose, identification, and selection process, learning and incorporating current best practices and research of gifted and talented education and twice exceptional learners 

  • Collaborate with Lionsgate Academy Shoreview LEO program teacher to plan and host annual student/parent LEO program meeting

  • Provide training and consultation to teaching/support staff of advanced / twice-exceptional learners

  • Coordinate community based instruction for the LEO program, including annual overnight trips

  • As needed, advise or case manage students in the LEO program (see separate position descriptions of those positions)

OTHER POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with a team on developing, re-examining, revising and implementing an integrated and differe