Job Title:  Gifted and Talented (GATE)/International Baccalaureate (IB) MYP Teacher

 

Location: Lewis and Clark Middle School, Omaha Public Schools

 

Reports To:   Principal Lewis and Clark Middle School

 

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: As per the negotiated OEA agreement

 

Salary Schedule: As outlined in applicable negotiated OEA agreement

 

Position Purpose: Lewis and Clark Middle School, a part of Omaha Public Schools, is seeking a passionate and dedicated educator to fill the role of Gifted and Talented (GATE)/International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP) Teacher. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about working with gifted and talented students and possess a deep understanding of the International Baccalaureate framework. This position offers an exciting opportunity to inspire and challenge students within a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

 

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging and differentiated instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of gifted and talented students within the IB MYP framework.
• Collaborate with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units of inquiry that promote inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global awareness.
• Utilize formative and summative assessment data to inform instructional planning and provide targeted support to students.
• Foster a positive classroom culture that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and encourages students to take ownership of their learning.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and stakeholders to provide updates on student progress, upcoming events, and opportunities for enrichment.
• Oversee all GATE identification practices and policies.
• Oversee the maintenance of all GATE documentation and testing.
• Follow policies and procedures outlined in Nebraska Rule 3.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities related to gifted education, the IB MYP curriculum, and best practices in teaching and learning.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the GATE/IB MYP program at Lewis and Clark Middle School.
• Act as a parent and community liaison.
• Give tours and set up shadowing experiences for potential new L&C students.
• Recruitment
• Be the go-to resource for students, teachers, parents, and admin for all things IB-related.
• Create documents (IB brochure, IB FAQ, L&C FAQ).
• Work with Administration and bookkeeper to manage the IB budget.
• Research and plan IB-MYP training for teachers (IB workshops and travel).
• Ensure IB-MYP training is up-to-date in all subject area groups.
• Plan and lead whole-building PD days on IB-MYP.
• Plan and lead IB-PD for 1st and 2nd-year staff members.
• Plan and lead presentation to parents and students at IB Info night.
• Communicate with elementary administrators about the IB Info night.
• Attend and contribute at District IB Leadership meetings.
• Monitor teacher IB assessment completion and communicate with administration and staff.
• Monitor teacher unit planners and give feedback to teachers to ensure unit planners are up to date on IB requirements.
• Create and share IB Handout for parents at conferences.
• Work with Website Facilitator to update IB-MYP information on the website.
• Create and communicate IB-MYP newsletters with parents, community, and students.
• Work with staff on Service Learning requirements, including student reflection.
• Prepare for and lead the IB Evaluation (with CHS) every five years.
• Required documentation, PD, communication, organize site visit.
• Meet monthly with the IB Coordinator at Central High School.
• Plan and lead New Staff IB-MYP Orientation in Summer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field (Master's degree preferred)
• -Valid teaching certification in the state of Nebraska
• -Endorsement or certification in Gifted Education preferred
• -Experience teaching in a GATE program and/or implementing the IB Middle Years Program is highly desirable
• -Strong knowledge of inquiry-based learning, differentiation strategies, and best practices in gifted education
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and development

Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the board of education through the Superintendent of Schools or the Trustees.

          

Equipment:  This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

 

Travel:  Limited travel between schools and central offices will be required.

 

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in school building environments.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

 

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Regular attendance is important.

 

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

 

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

 

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS. (If applicable).

 

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

 

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.