Teacher, Gifted 2026-2027

This position is for a self-contained elementary classroom of gifted-identified students at Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy.

Position Title: Gifted Teacher

Payroll/Personnel Type: 10 Month

Job #: 8113

Reports to : Principal

Shift Length: 6.5 Hours a Day

Union Eligibility: Eligible

Starting Salary: $54,843

Position Summary :

SLPS is seeking talented educators with a broad base of knowledge in curriculum and pedagogy. In this position, Teachers are expected to plan, organize and deliver programs of instruction that support the premise/core belief that all children can learn and implement activities that promote the learning goals and academic expectations. Our diverse student population deserves and appreciates Teachers who are committed and who have a passion for their work.

Essential Functions :

Meet and instruct assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated

Plans a program/lesson of study that, as much as possible meets the individual needs, interest, and abilities of the students

Prepare for classes assigned and show written evidence of preparation upon request of the principal

Demonstrate an overall knowledge of one's discipline(s) that allows him/her to teach to the student's ability levels and learning styles

Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required by law, district policies and administrative regulations

Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of the students

Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior

Strive to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives

Assess the progress and accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required

Communicate expectations, criteria for assessment, student progress, and student strengths/weaknesses to parents and students

Assesses students' special needs and collaborates with school services and community agencies to meet those needs

Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities

Maintain confidentiality of information concerning students, colleagues, and parents

Modifies own professional development plan to improve instructional performance and to promote student learning

Demonstrate high standards of professionalism and ethics

Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations and Board policies

Perform other task as assigned by building principal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Possess knowledge of district policies and mandates related to parent involvement, discipline and student achievement

Possess willingness to interact on a personal level with parents

Demonstrate organizational skills related to all Essential Functions listed above

Demonstrate knowledge and ability to create an effective Parent Resource Center

Demonstrate patience and compassion with students, staff and parents in a variety of settings

Develop trusting relationships with parents, teachers and students

Work effectively on a team and with parents

Work collaboratively with peers and others

Possess knowledge of various cultures' values, behaviors, beliefs and traditions

Possess strong and effective written and oral communication and presentation skills with all constituencies

Passionate about improving public, urban education and driven to make a difference

Demonstrates initiative and problem solving capabilities

Experience :

Working with culturally, diverse parents and families in an urban educational setting

Collaborating with community agencies

Serving effectively in a collaborative team setting

Education :

Bachelor’s Degree in Education (required)

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Missouri Teaching Certification (required): Gifted Education K-12

Physical Requirements :

Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle

Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body

Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree

Working Conditions and Environment :

Work is routinely performed in a typical interior/office environment

Very limited or no exposure to physical risk

Disclaimer :

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

In connection with hiring for this position the district shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or national origin.

If you are not currently fully certified, we would still love for you to apply! However, we ask that you provide very specific information and documentation so that we fully understand your progress towards certification:

If you have applied for DESE certification but are awaiting the posting of your certificate: upload a copy/screenshot of your application submission in DESE to your application in the Attachments section

If you are currently enrolled in a certification program, ask your university/program supervisor to write a letter to us that includes 1. what program you are enrolled in 2. how many certification courses you have remaining 3. what certification courses you have remaining 4. what exams you still need to take and 5. whether or not your university supervisor recommends you for a provisional or temporary license.

Please note that if an offer is extended to you, the following items will be required as part of your on-boarding:

Background check

TB test

Official transcripts

Social security card

SLPS believes in taking care of its employees. We offer a fully-insured health care plan along with some amazing perks! Here are some of the highlights of our benefits plan and perks, but you'll want to check out www.slps.org/careers for all of the details.

Fully-paid health insurance for self

$30,000 of tuition reimbursement (certificated staff)

$40,000 group term life insurance

Eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs

Pension plan

Robust wellness programs



Please note benefit and perk eligibility may vary by employee status, employment date, and job classification.