Project Manager, Special Education Professional Development

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at Oklahoma.gov/education POSITION OVERVIEW The Project Manager, Special Education Professional Development, will lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of robust professional development programs for educators, including creating asynchronous courses. This position focuses on seeking nationally accredited training opportunities in reading, math, and writing, as well as supporting instructional leadership through evidence-based practices regarding students with disabilities. Additionally, the Project Manager will provide specialized training on Data-Based Individualization (DBI) and the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, including creating courses for teaching the legal compliance of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Please note: This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with no remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire]
Five (5) years of experience in education, with a focus on professional development and instructional leadership
Possession of a valid standard teaching certificate
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel
Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating professional development programs for educators.
Knowledge of best practices in adult learning and professional growth.
In-depth knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices in K-12 education.
Clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive professional development programs in reading, math, and writing, ensuring alignment with national accreditation standards.
Plan state-wide conference in collaboration with colleagues.
Create asynchronous training modules with assessments to determine content of mastery.
Utilizing the results from the evaluations, identify targeted training needs and create professional development plans to match the area of educational need.
Support the adoption of evidence-based instructional practices and eliminate ineffective methods.
Provide guidance and resources to instructional leaders to enhance teaching quality and student outcomes.
Design and deliver in-depth training on DBI, ensuring educators understand and can implement this process effectively.
Support teachers in using data to inform instructional decisions and personalize student interventions.
Provide comprehensive training on the MTSS framework, including its application in identifying students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
Guide educators through the eligibility process using the scientific, research-based interventions (RtI) model.
Evaluate the effectiveness of professional development programs through data analysis and feedback from participants.
Continuously improve training content and delivery methods based on evaluation results and emerging best practices.
Work closely with school administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers to ensure professional development programs meet their needs.
Communicate program updates, successes, and areas for improvement to stakeholders.
Create and disseminate high-quality training materials and resources to support professional development initiatives.
Ensure all materials are up-to-date, research-based, and aligned with best practices.
Manage multiple professional development projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and alignment with strategic goals.
Develop project plans, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude at all times; ability to build and maintain positive work relationships; demonstrate integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of your work; ability to display a high level of professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance; ability to accept constructive feedback to increase performance.
Regular and reliable in-person attendance is required to ensure quality teamwork, performance, productivity, and collaboration; ability to demonstrate a commitment to your work and team by committing to punctuality and dependability in the work environment; this includes arriving to work on time, being present, engaged, and available to colleagues, internal and external customers.
Ability to identify and address the evolving needs and challenges of the education landscape; ability to think critically, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to improve educational outcomes for all students; apply creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking in finding solutions to complex problems and driving positive changes in the field of education.
Ensure our resources are utilized effectively, and our operations are streamlined; optimize our processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance; proactively identify opportunities for efficiency gains and implement best practices.
Willingness to go above and beyond to provide outstanding assistance that exceeds expectations, ability to create positive experiences and build relationships based on trust and satisfaction; maintain a positive and helpful attitude using the appropriate language, tone, and behavior to reflect the agency in a way that leaves a favorable impression.
Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.
Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.
Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.
Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.
Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.
Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.
Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.
Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.
Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.
Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

Benefits

Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.