Arizona Department of Education

Certification Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $70,000 - $72,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 12/29/2024

• The Education Program Specialist will be responsible for the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approval process (R-7-2-604) This position is also responsible for applying Board rule and statutes to screen, evaluate and complete formal evaluations of educational documents and issuance certificates to qualified applicants during or completing educator preparation programs.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Responsible for the Educator Preparation Program approval process as defined in State Board rule R-7-2-604
• Serve as liaison to Professional Preparation Institutions (PPI). Oversee program reviews, trainings, communication, and technical support to stakeholders regarding Educator Preparation
• Stay apprised of federal regulations and national trends regarding Educator Preparation
• Collaborate with PPIs, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), educators, educator candidates, and other community representatives regarding the effectiveness of preparation programs and the needs of the field
• Provide expertise in the form of written communication, reports, training design, and guidance documents for EPP approval processes
• Support continuous training of other program specialists within the agency and certification staff. Schedule meetings, facilitate webinars, and trainings
• Organize and provide training for review teams. Be responsible for Title II-A federal reporting deadlines including SEA required deadlines
• Ensures PPIs are submitting information in a timely manner, and provide technical assistance to PPIs regarding Title II-A reporting requirements
• Communicate updates to the State Board of Education through presentations and reports
• Manage, evaluate, and complete formal evaluations of educational documents and issuance certificates to qualified applicants for Alternative teaching certificates, Interim certificates, and Student Teaching Intern certificates
• Manage and support the prep programs submission of Institutional recommendations and issue standard certificates from this process

Knowledge in:
• Arizona State Board of Education Rules
• Arizona Professional Teaching Standards
• Arizona Professional Administrative Standards
• Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment
• Arizona State Board of Education Educator Preparation Program approval process
• Pre-service educator support programs
• Educator induction/mentoring programs
• A Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree is required

Skills in:
• Systems analysis
• Interpretation
• Research
• Observation
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Customer service
• Written and verbal communication
• Leadership
• Consulting
• Training
• Active listening
• Organization
• Intermediate to advanced skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Ability to:
• Manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Respect for confidentiality
• Prioritize tasks and develop workflow
• Complete all job responsibilities in a timely manner
• Work with a diverse team
• Manage change and lead continuous improvement to meet the needs of customers and stakeholders
• Draw accurate inferences from quantitative, qualitative and situational data
• Accurately assess a variety of situations and select the best option for action
• Synthesize diverse data and information
• Exercise initiative and good judgement to make quality decisions within the scope of assigned authority

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• A minimum of three years of teaching experience in PK-12 and/or post-secondary setting
• A National Board Certification
• An Educational Leadership degree or Administrative degree

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.