Oelas, Education Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. The Office of English Language Acquisition Services (OELAS) is seeking an Education Program Specialist to guide, support, and monitor Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in implementing the Language Development Approach (LDA) and Structured English Immersion (SEI) Models. This role ensures program compliance with state and federal mandates, develops and implements professional development for effective English Learner (EL) instruction, and supports LEAs in building and maintaining effective EL programs. This position requires local, in-state, and some out-of-state travel. The Arizona Department of Education utilizes a hybrid work environment, allowing up to two days of remote work, contingent upon business needs. Candidates must be willing to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs dictate.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Arizona’s LDA and the SEI Models.
• Knowledge of ELP standards and the Arizona Academic standards.
• Knowledge of methodologies and strategies for instructing ELs.
• Knowledge of curriculum design and the instructional needs of ELs.
• Knowledge of data-driven instruction, summative and formative assessment.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Knowledge of state and federal policies, laws, and regulations pertaining to Title III/EL programs.
• Knowledge of state-wide assessments including AZELLA and AASA.
• Must have taught or administered an EL program.
• A Bachelor degree in Education, a related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree.
• Completed SEI coursework or SEI/ESL/BLE endorsement.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to articulate critical components of compliance for EL programs and instruction.
• Ability to teach the structure and conventions of the English language.
• Ability to use the Arizona ELP Standards in instructional planning and implementation.
• Ability to disaggregate data for decision making.
• Ability to develop and provide professional development using a variety of delivery methods.
• Ability to deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations internally and externally.
• Intermediate to Expert experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and online platforms (i.e., Zoom, Teams, Google Meets).
• Ability to exhibit professional demeanor at all times.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally.
• Ability to develop, deliver, and facilitate effective professional learning.
• Ability to analyze data and propose goals, objectives, and strategies to problem solve.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a field relevant to English Language Acquisition.
• Current Arizona teaching certificate.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional development focusing on Arizona's SEI Models and ELP Standards through face-to-face sessions, webinars, and online courses.
• Complete statewide evaluation and monitoring of state and federally funded programs.
• Prepare program-specific technical and administrative reports.
• Provide appropriate feedback and ongoing technical assistance to LEAs.
• Stay informed and updated regarding Title III and State requirements.
• Support LEAs in implementing state and federal authorizing legislation, program guidance, and regulations.
• Serve on task forces, committees, and special assignments as requested.
• Collaborate with other divisions within ADE to coordinate projects and applicable state plans.
• Attend departmental, divisional, and team meetings, presenting information related to program activities, statistical data, budgeting, strategic planning, and departmental policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

What This Job Offers

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