English Language Arts Education Specialist; Education Specialist III

Overview

English Language Arts Education Specialist (Education Specialist III) – Nebraska Department of Education.

Location:

Lincoln, NE

The role helps strengthen literacy instruction and student outcomes statewide. The position partners with schools, Educational Service Units (ESUs), educator preparation programs, and other educational organizations to provide guidance on standards implementation, assessment, instructional resources, and evidence‑based practices while delivering professional learning for educators.

Salary:
Pay Grade 9 – $69,746.51 per year (subject to pay‑structure increases effective June
29,2026).

Note:

The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non‑immigrant work visas for these positions.

• Provide statewide leadership, content area expertise, and technical assistance in English Language Arts education to schools, ESUs, and postsecondary institutions.
• Support content area standards implementation, the statewide summative Nebraska Student‑Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) English Language Arts assessment, and professional learning.
• Facilitate the review, revision, and implementation process for Nebraska’s College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts.
• Develop and deliver professional learning experiences and provide resources related to English Language Arts education.
• Offer guidance on selecting and implementing high‑quality, standards‑based instructional resources, including curriculum, digital, open educational, and assessment materials.
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with NDE offices, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, postsecondary institutions, and industry partners.
• Maintain reliable attendance, possess a valid driver’s license, travel independently, and work in a variety of settings.

• Master’s degree in education or a related field.
• Two years of successful pre‑K‑12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent experience in another state or country.
• Eligibility for or possession of a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate (per §79‑807). The certificate must be obtained before employment and maintained thereafter.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel approximately 70% of the time in an office, with the remaining time in schools, ESUs, or alternative sites.

• Master’s degree in Education with five or more years of pre‑K‑12 experience teaching English Language Arts (e.g., as a director, specialist, coordinator, department head, or administrator).
• Experience facilitating English Language Arts professional learning experiences.
• Experience supporting adolescent literacy initiatives.

• Comprehensive package including paid time off, retirement plans (156% state‑matched for state plans or 101% for school plans), and 13 paid holidays.
• Health insurance (79% employer‑paid), dental, vision, long‑term and short‑term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts.
• Employee discount program, generous vacation and sick leave (starting at 12 days each year), and other leave types.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Additional benefits valued at approximately $28,400 annually.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates and maintains a supportive environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.