Elementary Advanced LearningISTEM Specialist BES (2026-2027 School Year)

HARRISONBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY:

Ensure that the academic and developmental needs of students identified as gifted are met work to identify gifted students who need additional support. Provide support for instruction and leadership in the ongoing development of Integrative Science Technology Engineering and Math (ISTEM) Education which is embedded into each classroom.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possesses or qualifies for a Virginia Collegiate Professional license. Specialists are strongly encouraged to acquire an add-on endorsement in Gifted Education within two years of employment.
2. At least three years of successful full-time classroom teaching experience.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of the components of Project Based Learning and I-STEM Education.
4. Demonstrates knowledge of research-based strategies for supporting the needs of identified gifted students and for expanding outreach to underrepresented populations.
5. Effectively demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
6. Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse racial ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
7. Familiarity with equity and inclusion frameworks. Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities. Respects the worth dignity and individual differences of others.
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences to foster professional relationships and express and/or exchange ideas.
9. Excellent interpersonal skills.
10. Proficiency in the use of a variety of office/instructional equipment and technology with experience using Microsoft Office Google Workspace and email.
11. Demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students teachers administrators and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Takes all industry standard precautions to protect students staff equipment materials and facilities.
2. Maintains appropriate state licensure; assumes responsibility for and participates in staff development (professional growth) and training to keep materials supplies and skills up-to-date.
3. Follows appropriate safety procedures and properly maintains equipment.
4. Actively participates in and attends all required meetings.
5. Maintains confidentiality when appropriate.
6. Complies with and supports school division policies regulations procedures and the HCPS Strategic Plan.
7. Effectively performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

Essential functions Advance Learning:

1. Work in collaboration with teachers and administrators to provide professional development. instructional planning and co-teaching support to classroom teachers of identified gifted students.
2. As needed provide direct services to identified gifted students according to the divisions local plan for the education of the gifted.
3. Lead school efforts to identify gifted students and to support the talent development program in order to identify gifted students from underrepresented populations.
4. With the division wide team of advanced learning specialists provide leadership in curriculum and instructional matters related to differentiated instruction.
5. Manage and maintain data collection related to gifted services.

Essential Functions of I-STEM Specialist

1. Work in collaboration with teachers and administrators to support teachers in their understanding and instructional delivery of high quality Integrative STEM education.
2. Collaborate with teaching teams through PLCs coteaching modeling and material to support the implementation of the STEM curriculum.
3. With the division wide team of STEM specialists develop resources and knowledge in order to support the growth of ISTEM instruction across grade levels.
4. Communicate with various stakeholders about impacts of I-STEM education

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light work lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. Regular travel throughout the school and effectively interact with students staff and community members. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surroundings and activities; and subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Regular contact with staff members and students is required. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on the evaluation of administrative personnel.

The above is intended to describe the essential functions of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties responsibilities and requirements of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and meet the demands of this position.

Required Experience:

IC