School Improvement Education Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Education SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Job Location: School Improvement Section, Phoenix Location

Salary: $70,000 - $74,500

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 07/28/2026

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.

• 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 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…