Administrative Program Specialist 1 - Teaching Learning and School Improvement

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is hiring a full-time Administrative Program Specialist 1 in its Professional Certification division. The position supports OSPI’s mission by ensuring certified educators and education staff associates meet Washington State requirements under WAC 181-79A and WAC 179-03. The role requires commitment to the agency’s values, including equity, racial justice, collaboration, service, and continuous improvement.

The specialist evaluates educator certification applications, administers and develops certification programs, interprets and applies laws and policies, and provides guidance and technical assistance to certification stakeholders. The position includes responsibility for out-of-state applications, administrator certification, and service as a military liaison. It also contributes to policy and procedure development, training, content updates, and operational coordination with agency and external partners.

The position is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, and may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework. Employees must attend in person each Tuesday, on other required in-office days, and during onboarding and training. Candidates must reside in Washington State, be available during standard business hours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. according to their approved schedule, and should expect minimal travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public or business administration, or a closely related field, plus at least one year of relevant experience in a program specialist role or regulatory, compliance, or education-focused program environment; experience may include application, licensing, certification, or document evaluation in a high-volume setting.
• Alternatively, five years of experience in a program specialist role or regulatory, compliance, or education-focused program environment may substitute for the degree; experience may include application, licensing, certification, or document evaluation in a high-volume setting.
• Must reside in Washington State.
• Must be available and working during standard business hours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., consistent with the approved work schedule.
• Ability to work within a telework arrangement that includes in-office collaboration based on operational needs, including in-office attendance each Tuesday and during onboarding and training.
• Minimal travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Washington State laws, rules, and regulations related to public education.
• Experience with Washington State teaching certification requirements, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of public school administration and organization.
• Knowledge of the organization of non-public schools.
• Knowledge of statewide preparation and certification policies and trends.
• Experience reviewing applications and other documentation against specific criteria.
• Ability to plan and coordinate administrative and education service programs.
• Ability to delegate, supervise, and evaluate professional and technical work of others.
• Ability to interpret statutory and program administrative provisions related to Career and Technical Education.
• Ability to maintain effective public relations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate general educator certification applications and serve as a certification specialist for the Professional Certification Office and relevant stakeholders.
• Review, monitor, and analyze certification programs, evaluation activities, performance, and procedures for compliance with law and policy; develop modifications as needed.
• Develop procedures and policies, and implement certification evaluation programs and activities in accordance with current Washington Administrative Code.
• Consult with the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) on development and implementation of approved WAC language and standards.
• Conduct complex evaluations of applications for initial certification and renewal, determine appropriate teaching endorsements, notify applicants of deficiencies, and approve or deny applications with written explanations when denied or withdrawn.
• Provide advisory services, leadership, and technical assistance to certification program specialists and records staff, college and university certification officers, and Educational Service District certification officers.
• Verify Washington certification information for school districts, state agencies, employment services, and other public entities upon request.
• Analyze and prepare recommendations for the Director concerning section priorities, operational procedures, and teacher certification procedures and rules.
• Administer, plan, develop, and implement the program for out-of-state applicants seeking Washington certification; apply PESB rules and evaluate compatibility with state requirements.
• Provide certification office staff with current information about foreign-trained educator programs.
• Serve as Military Liaison under RCW 18.340, perform an average of 20 callbacks per week, correspond by email, and participate in biannual DOJ, DOVA, and DOD meetings with 49 states.
• Administer, plan, develop, and implement OSPI’s administrator certificate program and analyze and administer its rules and regulations.
• Advise college and university personnel, administrator candidates, ESD certification personnel, and Professional Certification Office staff on administrator certification requirements.
• Review and decide whether administrator certification applications should be approved or denied.
• Respond to written and oral inquiries about Washington certification standards, application procedures, and certificate requirements.
• Provide advisory services, leadership, and assistance to educator stakeholders, including school district administrators, teachers, and Institutes of Higher Education.
• Assist the Director with agency and department policy and operational meetings, committees, oversight, and accountability.
• Maintain and update administrator certification content and coordinate the development and revision of content across media outlets as WAC language changes; supervise and assist support staff in implementing updates.
• Provide information to districts, educators, other state agencies, colleges and universities, and the public.
• Serve as backup to other program specialists as needed.
• Analyze and administer rules and regulations for teacher and administrator certification.
• Provide regular training to school human resources personnel, educators, and administrators.
• Perform other work as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and life insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Optional deferred compensation program.
• Flexible or alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options, depending on job duties and work location.
• Infant at Work Program for eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians, allowing an infant aged six weeks to six months to accompany the employee at work, depending on job duties and work location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level