Family Engagement Specialist

Family Engagement Specialist

Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative – Branch, Arkansas.

Job : 5624623
Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
Starting Date: To Be Determined

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Travel: Moderate travel required – expenses reimbursed within guidelines

State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) Office of Special Education seeks a highly qualified Family Engagement Specialist to oversee development and implementation of strategies that strengthen school‑family partnerships. This role supports statewide priorities, including the Meaningful Access and Participation (MAP) project, and involves capacity‑building, training, and coaching of administrators, educators, and families to elevate family voice and strengthen student outcomes.

• Provide on‑site and virtual coaching, professional development, and technical assistance to administrators, educators, and family liaisons to support evidence‑based and high‑leverage practices.
• Collaborate with grant partners to develop, adapt, and disseminate family‑friendly tools, communication resources, and training materials to increase family engagement and support student learning.
• Support the implementation of statewide family engagement strategies and participate in work groups aligned with grant priorities and the State Improvement Plan.
• Co‑create protocols and processes for collaborative discussions with district and school leadership teams, grade‑level teams, and special education teams to promote shared understanding and alignment of supports.
• Assist schools and districts in developing and refining systems that promote family engagement and align with tiered systems of support (MTSS) and the Meaningful Access and Participation Project.
• Collaborate with grant personnel to monitor implementation fidelity, document activities, and report outcomes.

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Valid Arkansas teaching license or certification in elementary or secondary education.
  • Master’s degree in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or related field.
  • Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in Arkansas public schools, with demonstrated success in classroom instruction and/or coaching.
  • Experience supporting school or district improvement efforts for family engagement.
  • Experience designing and delivering professional development for educators and/or families.
  • Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning, high‑leverage practices, evidence‑based instructional practices, and MTSS.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience providing coaching or professional development to adult learners.
  • Experience leading or supporting collaborative school improvement processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to use digital tools for collaboration, data tracking, and reporting.
  • Knowledge and experience in implementing the Dual Capacity‑Building framework.
  • Experience working with families of students with disabilities or in programs supporting family‑school collaboration and partnerships.
  • Certification in Cognitive Coaching, Adaptive Schools, or other facilitation and coaching frameworks.

This position is based in Little Rock and is managed by the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative under the coordination of the State Improvement Plan Coordinator at DESE‑OSE. The role is grant‑funded through September 30, 2030, contingent upon continued federal funding.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, certification, and qualifications.
• Contract length: 12 months (260 days).
• Benefits include health insurance, paid personal and sick leave, and Arkansas Teacher Retirement System participation.

To apply, submit the following to Treva Bradley dleyansas.gov with the subject line 'Application for Family Engagement Specialist':

• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

The Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.