Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement - Grant Wood)

State of Iowa • Cedar Rapids - 52404 - Linn County, IA

11h

About The Position

The Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement – Grant Wood) is an integral member of the Iowa Department of Education’s Division of Special Education, providing guidance and expertise on special education. The role supports statewide implementation and scaling of evidence-based practices for Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), professional learning, IDEA implementation and monitoring, and related policy and program guidance.

The consultant collaborates with statewide teams and districts to improve learning opportunities and educational environments for students with disabilities. The position may involve occasional in-state and out-of-state travel, as well as some nights and weekends. The stated regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

• Meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways:
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in one or a combination of the specified areas: professional training, teaching, or counseling in an educational setting; educational administration; finance, accounting, or auditing including preparing or analyzing financial statements; a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education; data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis; communications including public relations, marketing, or journalism; or school safety and emergency preparedness.
• A combination of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience in the specified areas; 24 semester hours of accredited post-graduate coursework equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree, a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.
• Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including preparation or analysis of financial statements.
• Ability to interpret and explain highly technical or regulatory language in an understandable manner.
• Ability to work in complex situations, meet deadlines, lead teams without supervisory authority, and manage prioritization and time effectively.
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills; ability and desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators.
• Strong technical skills and a strategic, analytical mindset.
• Passion for pursuing common goals in public service.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional learning for statewide scaling and implementation of evidence-based practices for delivering Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) to students with academic and behavioral needs.
• Participate in statewide collaborative implementation and scaling structures, including facilitating development and delivery teams.
• Provide technical assistance focused on evaluation for instructional design; design and deliver instruction and other supports.
• Help districts, schools, and classrooms move from exclusionary discipline practices toward safe, predictable learning environments for students with academic and behavioral health needs.
• Use implementation science to support scaling and implementation efforts.
• Design, develop, implement, and/or support evaluation of evidence-based professional learning in areas including literacy, post-secondary education, work-based learning, career and technical education, related services, and required IDEA components.
• Serve on work teams developing and delivering integrated statewide professional development efforts to increase quality learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Support monitoring of IDEA implementation, including self-assessment and data collection to identify commendations and areas of noncompliance requiring corrective action.
• Participate in developing and disseminating policy guidance, regulations, and program guidance within areas of responsibility.
• Manage resolution of audit findings, provide technical assistance to districts, and support development and implementation of corrective action activities.
• Maintain working knowledge of state and federal policy and the impact of proposed legislation on the bureaus and programs overseen.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Department priorities.

Benefits

• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Collaborative, positive work environment.
• Talented and passionate colleagues who support learning and growth.
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, families, and Iowa communities.
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time