Educational Specialist II - Special Education Section, 66419 (2026-03945)

Hawaii State Department of Education•Honolulu, HI

About The Position

The Educational Specialist II works under the general supervision of the Educational Specialist III of the Special Education Section, Office of Student Support Services. The position provides leadership and guidance in Language Arts (Literacy) and Mathematics for students with disabilities, including integrating instructional technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and assistive technology to improve curriculum access, support IEP implementation, and reduce special educators’ workload in accordance with IDEA and Section 504. The specialist collaborates with districts, complexes, and schools to support the implementation of special education services and coordinates professional development on evidence-based English Language Arts and Mathematics strategies and the appropriate use of technology. The role also reviews research and emerging trends, develops and shares resources—including parent-friendly materials—and supports data and assessment systems for monitoring student progress and evaluating program effectiveness and compliance. The position prepares program plans, performance reports, budgets, expenditure plans, contracts, memoranda of agreement, legislative testimony, and other documents needed to meet state and federal mandates. This is a 12-month, limited-term vicing appointment within the Educational Officers’ Bargaining Unit. A written examination or assignment may be administered. The posting remains open until 20 applications are received and may close earlier.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, with a specialization in a subject field appropriate to the assignment.
Alternatively, a certificate or license in special education plus two additional years of relevant experience in a subject field appropriate to the assignment may substitute for the education requirement.
Six years of responsible professional work experience in education, including four years of teaching and two years in curriculum or program planning, as appropriate.
Alternatively, nine years of responsible professional work experience in pre-K–12 education, including at least three years as a resource teacher, curriculum coordinator, special education support related-services professional, coordinator, or coach for specially designed instruction for students with disabilities, may substitute for the experience requirement.
Knowledge of curriculum and instruction, instructional media and computers, American education, tests and measurements, learning principles and individual differences, curriculum design and development, educational statistics, subject-area methods and materials, relevant research and trends, and applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to provide leadership, planning, and coordination; develop, analyze, and evaluate plans, programs, and procedures; communicate effectively orally and in writing; operate computers and other business machines; use tools and equipment appropriate to the assignment; and remain aware of developments in curriculum or program areas.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as determined by the Department.
Substitutions may be considered for the requirement of experience in an education program, agency, or system.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in special education or a field related to the education of individuals with disabilities, with foundational knowledge of the science of learning and teaching.
Professional experience providing direct services to a range of students, from struggling learners to students with disabilities and/or students with varied needs that present barriers to learning.
Knowledge of Language Arts (Literacy) and Mathematics instructional strategies, curriculum, and intervention programs for students with diverse disabilities, including the Science of Reading and evidence-based numeracy strategies.
Knowledge of current trends and applications of AI and instructional technology in educational settings.
Knowledge of special education programs, instructional materials, strategies, and methodologies.
Knowledge of research methodology and data analysis techniques for monitoring student progress and evaluating program effectiveness.
Knowledge of administrative principles related to budget preparation, government procurement and contracting, and legislative processes.
Knowledge of change management models for integrating new technologies into educational frameworks, including implementation facilitators and barriers.
Knowledge of ethical use of tools, instructional media, and equipment; student-record data privacy; technology-based workload reduction for special educators; and state-level legislative and budgetary procedures.
Ability to design and deliver professional development for adult learners on evidence-based strategies and technical tools; manage budgets, expenditure plans, and contracts; coach and mentor district and complex staff; and explain technical or legal language accessibly to families and stakeholders.
Ability to proactively address barriers to AI and technology adoption, coordinate teams to align special education services with general education standards, and use advanced problem-solving and decision-making to address system-level issues.
Ability to coach teams in implementing evidence-based practices, build confidence, establish respectful relationships with diverse team members, and model reflective, professional, and ethical practice.
Ability to develop training plans, conduct in-service training, adapt training to the learning situation, address crisis situations, collaborate with school and district/complex staff, and organize and prioritize work assignments.

Responsibilities

Develop plans, guidelines, and resources for Language Arts (Literacy) and Mathematics instruction for students with disabilities.
Lead the integration of instructional technologies, AI tools, and assistive technology into academic frameworks and processes to support curriculum access and IEP implementation and improve special educators’ workload in accordance with IDEA and Section 504.
Collaborate with and provide technical assistance to districts, complexes, and schools on special education services, supplementary aids and services, and program modifications.
Assist school personnel in using instructional technologies and AI tools to support students receiving IEP services and streamline case management and instructional planning.
Coordinate professional development activities supporting English Language Arts and Mathematics standards through evidence-based strategies.
Design and deliver professional development on the appropriate use of instructional technologies, AI tools, and assistive technology to enhance student access and educator efficiency.
Review, analyze, synthesize, and summarize current research on instructional strategies, emerging AI trends, and assistive technology.
Develop and disseminate materials and resources, including parent-friendly explanations of how tools support students’ IEPs and academic growth.
Assist in developing data and assessment systems to monitor reading and mathematics progress for students with disabilities.
Monitor and evaluate program functions, including the impact of AI and technological tools on student outcomes and program compliance.
Prepare program plans, annual performance reports, budgets, expenditure plans, contracts, memoranda of agreement, legislative testimony, memos, and other documents required to meet state and federal mandates.
Perform other related duties as assigned.