Education Specialist ; PCN

Statewide Reading Specialist

This position is currently located in Juneau. The position may be in Anchorage or Juneau, depending upon the location of the most qualified candidate. We'd be delighted to have you join our team.

What you will be doing:
Under the general direction of the Administrator 2 for the AK Reads Team, this position serves as a statewide reading specialist responsible for reviewing and supporting district reading improvement plans; guiding implementation of evidence-based instructional practices; and assisting teachers, schools, and districts in delivering high-quality, standards-based reading instruction and curriculum. The role includes conducting data analysis, promoting data-informed decision making, and providing ongoing technical assistance to strengthen literacy outcomes across the state.

Our organization, mission, and culture:
This position supports DEED's mission by strengthening early literacy and ensuring high-quality reading instruction for all Alaska students. It reflects our values of respect, integrity, accountability, and collaboration through consistent, evidence-based support to districts and educators. By promoting effective instruction and data-informed decision making, this role advances student learning and long-term success statewide.

The benefits of joining our team:
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development offers a competitive salary, excellent state benefits, and the opportunity to work with a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to supporting continuous improvement in Alaska's schools. The State of Alaska provides a generous benefits package and retirement plan (see: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ). EED's core values—integrity, excellence, and respect—guide our work, and we seek candidates who demonstrate strong judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to serving educators and students statewide.

The working environment you can expect:
This position is part of a small, high-functioning team and is eligible for telework for qualified candidates. The successful candidate may choose to work in person at either the Juneau State Office Building or the Anchorage Atwood Building—both centrally located downtown with ample parking, public transit access, and nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and retail options.

Who we are looking for:
We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

• K-12 Public
  
  Education:
  
  Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, methods, and practices of planning, teaching, and evaluating an assigned K-12 public education content area. Integrates best practices with subject matter expertise to develop resources, inform policy implementation, provide technical assistance, and support continuous improvement. Provides guidance and consultation to school districts and/or stakeholders while advancing statewide educational priorities.
• Education and Training:
  Knowledge of teaching, training, research, making presentations, lecturing, testing, and other instructional methods
• Teaching Others:
  Helps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor

Please note:

This position is occasionally required to travel to remote school districts for training and technical assistance (2 to 4 trips per year). This may require travel by fixed-wing aircraft, boat, and snow machine. Some districts do not have hotel accommodations. Incumbent may have to sleep on the floor in the school. Attending conferences requires the incumbent to travel with luggage filled with supplies for districts, which may exceed 25 or 50 pounds

Additionally, completion of the DEED-approved Science of Reading Course (45 hours with Certificate of Completion) is required within one year of employment. Desired but not required:

• A minimum of three years of classroom elementary teaching experience, with leadership experience overseeing elementary literacy programming at the school or district level.
• A valid Driver's License for driving a rental car to attend meetings, training, workshops, and professional development.

If you envision yourself in this role and are ready to start an exciting career with us, apply today!