Job Description:

Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization

committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

ESS, Instructional Specialist for Inclusionary Practices

Job Location:

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section

Phoenix Location

Posting Details:

Salary: $66,000 - $72,000

 Grade: 21

 Closing Date: 01/29/25

Job Summary:

• This position will serve Arizona's educational landscape in data-driven decision-making, planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating professional learning opportunities to improve ELA and Math outcomes for students with disabilities who are dual labeled English Learners (EL).

·         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:

• Lead the planning, development, organization, implementation, and evaluation of professional learning offerings on topics related to individualizing ELA and Math instruction and instructional modifications, accommodations, and specially designed instruction that improves the understanding of ELA and math achievement for students with disabilities who are dual labeled EL
• Provide technical assistance and coaching to educational professionals, Public Education Agencies, and other stakeholder groups regarding inclusionary practices for students with disabilities who are dual labeled EL in their least restrictive environment to maximize their academic growth and exposure to grade-level Arizona State Standards
• ELA and Math guidance and technical assistance: building, maintaining, and disseminating guidance documents and resources; providing technical assistance over the phone, via email, virtually, and in-person that lead to improved ELA and Math skills of students with disabilities who are dual labeled EL; and updating the ADE/ESS website with information about available resources
• Engage in an ongoing strategic planning process that uses data analysis to determine areas in need of improvement for our state, identifies and prioritizes technical assistance and professional learning aligned to those areas of need, and evaluates the fidelity of the implementation of technical assistance and professional learning designed to improve ELA and Math outcomes for students with disabilities who are dual labeled EL
• Work with technical assistance centers, organizations that promote ELA and Math instruction for students with disabilities who are dual labeled, and other agency partners to improve the skills of teaching and learning of general and special educators in ELA and Math teaching and learning and identify trends/needs for dual labeled students
• Participate in various agency and ESS department/division task teams, special projects, and professional learning as necessary to carry out work-related requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)/ Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) 
• Arizona State Standards and English Language Proficiency Standards
• Structured English Immersion (SEI) Models and English Language Development (ELD)
• Disability categories
• Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)
• Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Strategies for differentiating, accommodating and modifying ELA and mathematics instruction 
• Evidence-based practices/high-leverage practices for ELA, mathematics and EL instruction for students with disabilities
• Coordination of professional learning including planning, developing, implementing, and evaluation stages
• Adult learning theory for virtual learning and in-person professional learning development
• Collaboratively planning instruction between general and special education
• Data collection and analysis in monitoring individual goals, tracking and communicating progress
• Applicants must have teaching experience teaching students with disabilities, and SEI and Reading endorsement.
• A bachelor’s degree in education, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.

Skills in:

• Organization
• Oral/written communication
• Data collection and analysis
• Written reports
• Customer service
• Management of materials
• Presentation to large and small groups
• Ability to teach math concepts to diverse adults and student learners
• Coaching - engage adult learners in reflection about reaching and learning
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)     

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize, work under time constraints, and be flexible in an environment of 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
• Have a 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
• Use technology for instructional purposes as well as to communicate and create
• Presentations and reports, collect, analyze, and use student data to identify learning needs
• Meet schedules and timelines

Selective Preferences:

Preference will be given to those applicants with:

• Master’s degree in special education and/or education
• Job-related experience in the collaboration of special education and general education teachers

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, then the following requirements apply. Driver’s License Requirements.
• All employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

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.

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

·         10 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

·         Deferred compensation plan

·         Wellness plans

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

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. 

Job ID: 531229 - Job Closing Date - 01/29/25 - o Visit https://state-of-arizona.career-pages.com/home o Click on Current Openings o Select Department of Education from the Department drop down list o Click on desired position o Click Apply Now - Salary Range - $66,000 - $42,000