Educational Support Specialist
State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG)
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Special Education
Location: Based in Little Rock
Travel: Moderate travel required
Travel Expenses: Reimbursed within specified guidelines
Posting Deadline: Open until position filled
The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – Office of Special Education (OSE) is seeking a highly qualified Educational Support Specialist to support the implementation of the Arkansas State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
The Educational Support Specialist provides direct, hands-on assistance to districts and schools to strengthen professional learning systems, educator practice, and leadership capacity. This position delivers professional development, coaching, and technical assistance designed to promote meaningful access and participation for students with disabilities within an accessible education system. This role offers the opportunity to impact systems change at multiple levels, supporting district leaders, school teams, and educators in implementing Universal Design for Learning, high-leverage practices, and evidence-based instructional practices that improve outcomes for all learners.
Key Responsibilities:
● Provide on-site and virtual coaching, professional development, and technical assistance to support implementation of evidence-based and high-leverage practices.
● Co-create protocols and processes and facilitate collaborative discussions with district and school leadership teams, grade-level teams, and special education teams to promote shared understanding and alignment of supports.
● Assist schools and districts in developing and refining systems for data collection, progress monitoring, and continuous improvement.
● Support the integration of tiered systems of support (MTSS) and the implementation of the Meaningful Access and Participation Project.
● Support the Educational Support Coordinator to monitor implementation fidelity, document activities, and report outcomes.
● Develop and adapt professional learning resources, tools, and materials for educators, administrators, and families.
● Contribute to and participate in workgroups supporting grant priorities and the State Improvement Plan.
Minimum Qualifications
● Valid Arkansas Teaching License/Certification in elementary or secondary education.
● Master’s degree in Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
● Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in Arkansas public schools, with demonstrated success in classroom instruction and/or coaching.
● Experience supporting school or district improvement efforts, including data-driven planning and professional learning.
● Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning, high-leverage practices, evidence-based instructional practices, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
● Strong communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience providing coaching or professional development to adult learners.
● Experience leading or supporting collaborative school improvement processes.
● Demonstrated ability to use digital tools for collaboration, data tracking, and reporting.
● Certification in Cognitive Coaching, Adaptive Schools, or other facilitation and coaching frameworks.
Additional Information
This position is based in Little Rock and managed by the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative under the coordination of the State Improvement Plan Coordinator at the DESE-OSE. This position is grant-funded through September 30, 2030, contingent upon continued federal funding.
Compensation and Benefits
● Anticipated Starting Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience, certification, and qualifications.
● Contract Length: 12 months (260 days)
● Benefits: Health insurance, paid personal and sick leave, and Arkansas Teacher Retirement System participation.
Application Process
To apply, submit the following to Treva Bradley at Treva.Bradley@ade.arkansas.gov.
Subject line: Application for Educational Support Specialist
● Resume
● Contact information for three (3) professional references
The Guy Fenter Educational Service Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.