DOE Education Specialist

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

7d•$59,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Indiana Department of Education (DOE) provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include: Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student. Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators. Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support. The Literacy Center Specialist provides strategic leadership, coordination, and technical support in the design, implementation, and scaling of literacy initiatives aligned to the science of reading. This role plays a critical part in advancing Indiana's commitment to evidence-based instruction by supporting educators, schools, and districts in delivering high-quality foundational reading instruction for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5. This specialist interprets and applies state education policy related to literacy, collaborates across departments to align statewide efforts, and develops and disseminates high-quality resources and professional learning opportunities-both in print and digital formats. The specialist also represents Indiana in key statewide and national literacy initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education (Master's degree preferred), with at least five years of successful classroom teaching experience in PK-5 settings.
Active Indiana teaching license preferred.
Documented experience implementing the science of reading in classroom instruction, including use of structured literacy approaches.
Experience designing and delivering professional development or instructional coaching aligned with evidence-based reading practices.
Knowledge of state-level literacy policy, assessment, and curriculum standards.
Experience managing and maintaining digital content and communities of practice.
Specialized knowledge in educational systems obtained through experience and/or education
Specialized knowledge of education programs and services including pertinent rules and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern any far-reaching implications.
Ability to communicate effectively both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
At least 6+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in the implementation and continuous improvement of Indiana's Priorities for Early Literacy, ensuring alignment with the science of reading and current research.
Inform and coordinate the development of early literacy initiatives within the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), particularly those focused on explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Support the development and implementation of instructional guidance, professional development, and technical assistance to ensure strong early literacy practices are in place in PK-5 classrooms.
Analyze literacy data, research, and instructional trends to inform policy development, program design, and resource creation.
Respond to requests for information and support from the State Board of Education, State Legislature, local education agencies, and stakeholders across the state.
Serve as a trusted resource to educators and other departments by providing guidance aligned to the science of reading.
Maintain collaborative relationships with national and state-level educational organizations and contribute to the advancement of best practices in literacy.
Contribute to the development and upkeep of on-line platforms, including Indiana Learning Lab, that serve as professional learning communities for literacy educators.
Participate in cross-functional agency teams and other duties as assigned.
Monitor education program/initiative objectives, outcomes, and actions to achieve agency goals.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to constituents within educational institutions.
Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities.
Prepare and disseminate reports on program effectiveness.
Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Assist in the training and development of education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access