Ess, Special Education Inclusion Specialist

Overview

Arizona Department of Education. ESS, Special Education Inclusion Specialist.

Job Location:

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section, Phoenix. Salary: $66,000 - $72,000. Grade: 21. Closing Date: 02/04/26.

This position is part of the Academic Achievement and Inclusive Practice Unit, which serves Arizona’s educational landscape by planning, organizing, implementing, and analyzing professional learning. The role will promote the use of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Universal Design for Learning, and other evidence-based practices that advance achievement outcomes and inclusive education across Arizona schools. Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required.

The department utilizes a hybrid work environment with up to two days of remote work; candidates should be willing to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and develop statewide professional learning that enhances teaching and learning outcomes for students with disabilities, including data collection and analysis of implementation and impact
• Represent the unit at state and national conferences as needed
• Support PEAs in developing and implementing data-driven continuous improvement plans that strengthen instructional practices and increase achievement for students with disabilities
• Apply adult learning theory, coaching models, and systems of support to build educator capacity and sustain continuous improvement efforts across the state of Arizona
• Provide classroom walkthroughs, coaching, and technical assistance to instructional coaches, general and special education teachers, and school and district administrators to promote the implementation of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Universal Design for Learning, and other evidence-based instructional practices
• Participate in the Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Units strategic planning processes that use data to identify needs, prioritize technical assistance, and align professional learning to targeted improvement areas within Arizona’s State General Supervision Framework

Knowledge in:

• Understanding of the IDEA/FAPE, and disability categories
• Least restrictive environment
• Current research on inclusive practices
• Collaborative planning instruction between general and special education
• Formative assessment practices
• Specially designed instruction (SDI)
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Data collection and analysis
• Coaching systems
• Evidence-Based Practices/High-Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities
• Adult learning theory for virtual and in-person professional learning development
• Arizona State Standards and English Language Proficiency Standards
• Supporting instruction for Dual-Labeled Students (EL and Special Education)
• Experience teaching students with disabilities and EL endorsement
• A bachelor’s degree in education, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required

• Skills in: Teaching instructional strategies to adults to support students who are dual-labeled special education and English Language Learners
• Instructional coaching
• Organization
• Oral/written communication: data collection, analysis, and written reports
• Customer service
• Presentation to large and small groups
• Marketing and development of formal presentations
• Project development
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

• Ability to: Organize, prioritize, work under time constraints, and be flexible in an environment with multiple tasks and changing priorities
• Credibility with schools and other stakeholders; ability to lead and manage change
• Work independently as well as in a team
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, and dependability
• Communicate with individuals from varied educational and cultural backgrounds
• Maintain accurate records
• Develop as a professional educator
• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms
• Prepare reports and presentations
• Use technology for instruction and for communication and creation of presentations and reports; collect and analyze student data to identify learning needs
• Meet…