English Learner Specialist (Education Specialist III)

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Education is seeking an English Learner Specialist to support English Learners and help schools build strong, effective programs statewide. This role involves partnering with districts, educators, and NDE teams to strengthen programs, navigate federal requirements, provide professional development, and support meaningful outcomes for students. The specialist will ensure schools have the guidance and tools needed to effectively serve multilingual learners. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, comfortable with complex requirements, a strong communicator who can translate regulations into practical guidance, build relationships, and manage multiple priorities with a proactive, problem-solving approach. The position is assigned to the office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area
• Two years of successful preK12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country
• Eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807 (must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position)
• OR Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, and four years of teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance
• Possesses a valid driver’s license
• Travels independently
• Works in a variety of settings

Nice To Haves

• Endorsement in English Second Language or Bilingual Education
• Teaching or administrative experience working with English Language Learner (ELL) students
• Direct involvement (e.g. committee member) in the Continuous Improvement Process
• Experience developing and delivering professional development

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance to Local Education Agencies (LEAs), educational service units (ESUs), Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) staff, and others in understanding the Title III English Learner program, and state and local responsibilities in the education of English Learners (ELs).
• Provides technical assistance to district personnel on developing and implementing Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs).
• Assists with overseeing the statewide administration of the state’s annual English Language Proficiency (ELP) Assessment.
• Participates in test development and other aspects critical to delivering and maintaining a valid and reliable ELP screener and summative assessment and provides technical assistance on the administration of the assessment.
• Coordinates with the NDE Statewide Assessment Section on developing and approving appropriate accommodations for ELs, issues involving test security and scoring rules, and developing and updating manuals and trainings.
• Reviews and approves Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) Consolidated Applications and assists in the development and implementation of internal procedures and processes for grants management.
• Conducts on-site monitoring of federal grants.
• Develops and delivers professional development for EL programs related to program development, program improvement, regulations for Title III, and EL assessment.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Paid time off
• Retirement
• 79% employer-paid health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long and short-term disability
• Flex spending and health savings accounts
• Employee discount program
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!)
• Variety of other leave types
• 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans
• Thirteen paid holidays per year
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

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