Job No: 541718
Work Type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Categories: Education/Training
Arizona Department of Education The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.
ESS, Special Education Inclusion Specialist
Job Location:
Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location
Posting Details:
Salary: $66,000 - $72,000
Grade: 21
Closing Date: 06/24/26
Job Summary:
This position serves Arizona's educational landscape by planning, organizing, implementing, and analyzing professional learning.
This position will promote the use of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Universal Design for Learning, and other evidence-based practices that advance achievement outcomes and inclusive education across Arizona schools.
Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position.
The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.
Job Duties:
Plan, organize, coordinate, and develop statewide professional learning that enhances teaching and learning outcomes for students with disabilities, including the collection and analysis of data on implementation and impact.
Represent the unit at state and national conferences as needed.
Support Public Education Agencies (PEAs) in developing and implementing data-driven continuous improvement plans that strengthen instructional practices and increase achievement for students with disabilities.
Apply adult learning theory, coaching models, and systems of support to build educator capacity and sustain continuous improvement efforts across the state of Arizona.
Provide classroom walkthroughs, coaching, and technical assistance to instructional coaches, general and special education teachers, and school and district administrators to promote the implementation of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Universal Design for Learning, and other evidence-based instructional practices.
Participate in the Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Units strategic planning processes that use data to identify needs, prioritize technical assistance, and align professional learning to targeted improvement areas within Arizona's State General Supervision Framework.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge in:
Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)/ Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and disability categories
Least restrictive environment
Current Research on Inclusive Practices
Collaborative planning instruction between general and special education.
Formative Assessment Practices
(SDI) Specially designed instruction
(UDL) Universal Design for Learning
(MTSS), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Data collection and analysis
Coaching Systems
Evidence-Based Practices/High-Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities.
Adult learning theory for virtual learning and in-person professional learning development
Arizona State Standards
Understanding research of evidence-based practices for students with disabilities
Understanding of the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA)
Understanding of access to state standards for students with disabilities
Applicants must have teaching experience in special education.
A bachelor's degree in education with specialization in special education, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
Skills in:
Instructional Coaching
Organization
Oral/written communication
Data collection, analysis, and written reports
Customer service
Presentation to large and small groups
Marketing and development of formal presentations
Project development
Intermediate to advanced: proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Teaching instructional strategies to support students' disabilities to diverse adults and student learners
Ability to:
Organize, prioritize, and work efficiently under time constraints while being flexible in an environment with multiple tasks and changing priorities
Credibility with schools and other stakeholders; demonstrated ability to lead and manage change
Successfully work independently as well as in a team environment
High degree of professionalism, integrity, and dependability
Communicate with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds
Maintain accurate records
Develop as a professional educator
Communicate effectively and tactfully in both oral and written forms
Prepare a variety of reports and presentations
Utilize technology for both instructional purposes and to communicate and create
presentations and reports
Collect, analyze, and use student data to identify learning needs
Meet schedules and timelines
Selective Preference(s):
Preference will be given to those applicants with a master's degree in education with specialization in reading, math or special education.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements. (https://publicstorage.dc4.pageuppeople.com/1045/ClientPublicFile/3601803f-02e5-4b70-b325-26c8ef309c1b.pdf)
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
Ten paid holidays per year
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here (https://hr.az.gov/about/resources/family-leave-expansion) . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page (https://benefitoptions.az.gov/jobseekers)
Retirement :
You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.
Contact Us:
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.
Having trouble applying for this position?
Call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.
