Education Specialist III

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

49d•Remote

About The Position

Join the Maine Department of Education as we lead the way in building equitable, coherent, and sustainable Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) that help every student thrive. As the MTSS Specialist, you will play a key leadership role in supporting schools and school administrative units (SAUs) to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and design effective systems and structures for advanced tiers of support. You will also collaborate across DOE teams and offices to align statewide initiatives within a unified MTSS framework that supports prevention, intervention, and whole student success. This is your opportunity to shape the systems that make learning accessible, responsive, and equitable across Maine. PURPOSE: Provides statewide leadership and professional expertise to strengthen and scale effective Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) across Maine schools. This position is responsible for developing the systems, structures, and processes that ensure sustainable implementation of all tiers, particularly Tiers 2 and 3, within a cohesive, data informed framework. The Specialist partners with schools and SAUs to design, implement, and refine comprehensive MTSS frameworks that integrate academic, behavioral, and social emotional learning. In addition, this role works across DOE offices to embed MTSS principles into agency priorities, ensuring alignment, coherence, and shared responsibility for equitable student outcomes.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of designing and sustaining Multi Tiered Systems of Support, including systems and structures for advanced tiers (Tiers 2 and 3)
Knowledge of high quality Tier 1 instruction and its foundational role in effective tiered systems
Understanding of state and federal education policies, including those related to MTSS, Response to Intervention (RTI), and continuous improvement
Knowledge of data based problem solving, progress monitoring, and evaluation practices
Ability to lead and coordinate systemic change across SAUs and DOE teams
Ability to design and deliver professional learning focused on leadership, systems design, and intervention implementation
Ability to facilitate cross office and cross agency collaboration to align initiatives within the MTSS framework
Strong skills in communication, facilitation, data interpretation, and systems thinking
Proficiency in technology tools used for data analysis, professional learning, and collaboration
Knowledge of State and federal statutes, policies, and regulations regarding response to intervention strategies
Knowledge of data collection, analysis and reporting procedures at the state and local level
Knowledge of community involvement in education policy decisions and educational operations
Ability to effectively lead/direct professional staff and oversee program implementation and support
Ability to interpret and explain statutory provisions to all relevant stakeholders, including members of the public
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives from other state agencies and organizations and collaborate successfully amount interagency partners
Ability to work effectively with and provide guidance to all relevant stakeholders, including members of the public
Ability to identify and analyze issues, reach logical conclusions and make sound recommendations/decisions
Ability to provide technical assistance and professional development in the areas of multi-tiered systems of support
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to use required technologies: word processing, database systems and spreadsheets
A Bachelors Degree in Education or required specialty/substance area and four (4) years professional level experience in required specialty/subject area. A Masters Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Individual positions may require a professional teaching or educational administration certificate as issued by the State Department of Education.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and sustaining MTSS systems at the school, SAU, or state level
Expertise in Tier 1 instructional design and in establishing Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention systems
Experience supporting data driven decision making and progress monitoring structures
Strong facilitation, coaching, and collaboration skills for adult and organizational learning
Capacity for systems level thinking and leadership across multiple initiatives or offices

Responsibilities

Supporting SAUs in strengthening Tier 1 instruction and building effective, data driven Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports
Providing leadership in the development and sustainability of statewide MTSS systems and structures
Designing and facilitating professional learning and technical assistance focused on systemic design, intervention planning, and data based decision making
Aligning DOE initiatives, resources, and professional learning within a unified MTSS framework
Developing and communicating tools, guidance, and policies that advance fidelity, sustainability, and continuous improvement in MTSS implementation statewide
Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of Maine's MTSS Framework, emphasizing the development of sustainable systems and structures for advanced tiers
Provide consultation and technical assistance to SAU and school leaders in building strong Tier 1 foundations and effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports
Guide SAUs in establishing data teams, problem solving processes, and progress monitoring systems that inform intervention decisions and resource allocation
Collaborate across DOE offices (such as Teaching and Learning, School and Student Supports, and Innovation) to align initiatives, tools, and communications within the MTSS structure
Design and deliver professional learning that helps school and SAU leaders build capacity for systemic implementation and continuous improvement across tiers
Develop guidance, resources, and communication strategies to support schools in aligning academic, behavioral, and social emotional supports
Analyze statewide and local data to identify patterns, evaluate outcomes, and inform decisions about MTSS priorities and supports
Partner with regional and national organizations to share best practices and strengthen Maine's statewide system of tiered supports
Support policy, regulation, and guidance development related to MTSS implementation and system coherence
Represent the DOE in state and national initiatives advancing multi-tiered systems of support and whole student learning

Benefits

Work-Life Balance - Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage - The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit - Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance - The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan - The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement - Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness - The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program - Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child-including fathers and adoptive parents-receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation - Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.