Job No: 542303
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.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Job Location:
School Improvement Section
Phoenix Location
Posting Details:
Salary: $70,000 - $74,500
Grade: 21
Closing Date: 07/28/2026
Job Summary:
The Education Program Specialist is responsible for supporting and monitoring Local Education Agency (LEA) and school transformation and improvement activities related to data-driven decisions and accountability, use of evidence-based practices, strategies, programs and interventions, technical assistance, and professional development in accordance with federal requirements for schools in improvement status.
Frequent in-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:
Implement and monitor LEA and school transformation and improvement activities related to data-driven decisions and accountability, use of evidence-based practices, strategies, programs and interventions, technical assistance, and professional development in accordance with federal and state requirements for schools in improvement status, Comprehensive (low achievement and low grad rate), Additional Targeted and Targeted support and Improvement schools or schools in D or F status
Support and monitor LEAs and school leadership with the Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Integrated Action Plan development school improvement cycle including implementation and monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based strategies and action steps in the LEA and School Integrated Action Plans
Support, approve, and monitor School Improvement Grants 1003 (a) in LEAs with schools in improvement status in accordance with federal requirements
Collaborate and build supportive relationships with other sections within ADE and external stakeholders to coordinate technical assistance, professional development, monitoring, and alignment of resources for LEAs and schools to close the achievement gaps and increase student achievement
Coordinate, assist, and deliver coaching, mentoring, and professional development for LEAs and schools in improvement as needed
Coordinate and collaborate with strategic partners, regional centers, selected external providers, LEAs and schools to implement interventions, strategies and action steps
Actively participate in at least one State School Improvement (SSI) internal planning team
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge in:
School improvement and transformation
Underlying research and evidence-based best practices, particularly in improving leadership, instruction, culture and talent management and facilitating the change process
Arizona Department of Education structure and inter-agency responsibilities
State and federal laws, including funding regulations pertaining to (ESEA); and knowledge of Title I Federal Programs
Strategies focused on building the internal capacity necessary in districts to support system-wide infrastructure for quick, dramatic and sustainable improvement in low performing schools
Current trends in school improvement and transformation; systemic school reform, including the alignment of instructional infrastructure
Collecting, analyzing, validating, interpreting and reporting quantitative and qualitative data
Comprehensive needs assessment process including completing a thorough root cause analysis
Development and implementation of effective district and school integrated action plans
Use of technology to organize data and display to allow for decision-making
Educational leadership
Budget development and analysis
Best practices in teacher and leader development and coaching methods and effective teaching pedagogy and structures
Social emotional learning and trauma responsive practices
Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in Education and/or Educational Leadership
Applicants must have taught and/or administered an educational program
Skills in:
Verbal and written communication
Facilitating and presenting to large groups
Managing multiple projects at the same time
Building collaborative teams
Developing strategic plans
Analytical problem-solving
Analysis
Presentation
Decision making
Organizational skills
Interpersonal skills
Data gathering
Listening
Technological skills
Ability to:
Complete assignments independently and collaboratively, accurately, and timely
Set clear expectations and hold self and others accountable
Evaluate situations and respond quickly and tactfully
Take initiative
Instill trust and confidence
Lead by example
Develop others
Impact and influence others
Develop rapport with a variety of stakeholders
Develop and maintain professional relationships
Communicate effectively with administrators, staff, parents, students, and the
community
Selective Preference(s):
Preference will be given to those applicants with:
District level leadership and/or Principal experience
Teacher certification
Instructional and/or leadership coaching experience
Instructional and/or leadership training(s)
Experience working with an LEA and school implementing dramatic school improvement transformation.
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.
