Educational Specialist II - Special Education Section, 66419 (2026-03945)

Hawaii State Department of Education; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 115,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawaii State Department of Education seeks an Educational Specialist II to lead Language Arts (Literacy) and Math initiatives for students with disabilities, integrating AI tools and assistive technology to improve curriculum access and IEP implementation.

The role collaborates with districts to provide technical assistance, designs professional development on instructional technologies, and develops data systems to monitor progress and ensure compliance with IDEA and Section 504.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of responsible professional work experience in education, of which four (4) years shall have been in teaching and two (2) years in curriculum or program planning.
• Nine (9) years of responsible professional work experience in pre-K-12 education, with at least three (3) years as a resource teacher or related roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership by developing plans, guidelines, and resources for Language Arts (Literacy) and Math for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with districts and schools on implementing special education services and assistive technology.
• Coordinate PD activities to train staff on instructional technologies and AI tools.
• Review current research on instructional strategies and AI trends and develop materials for dissemination.
• Develop data and assessment systems to monitor reading and math progress for students with disabilities.

Job description

APPLICANTS MAY BE EDUCATIONAL OFFICERS, TEACHERS AND OTHER QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT ISSUED:

This position is included in the Educational Officers' Bargaining Unit and will be filled as a limited term vicing appointment.

A WRITTEN EXAMINATION/ASSIGNMENT MAY BE ADMINISTERED TO HELP DETERMINE POSSESSION OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES PORTIONS OF THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

Under the general supervision of the Educational Specialist III of the Special Education Section, Office of Student Support Services, the Educational Specialist II:

1. Provide leadership and guidance by developing plans, guidelines, and resources for Language Arts (Literacy) and Math for students with disabilities. Lead the integration of instructional technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and assistive technology into academic frameworks and processes to ensure access to the curriculum, facilitate Individualized Education Program (IEP) implementation, and improve the workload of special educators in accordance with IDEA and Section 504.
2. Collaborate with and provide technical assistance to districts, complexes, and schools regarding the implementation of special education services, supplementary aids, services, and program modifications. Assist school personnel in utilizing appropriate instructional technologies and AI tools to support students receiving IEP services and to streamline case management and instructional planning processes.
3. Coordinate professional development (PD) activities that support English Language Arts and Math standards through evidence-based strategies. Design and deliver PD that specifically trains staff on the appropriate implementation of instructional technologies, AI tools, and assistive technology as delivery models to enhance student access and educator efficiency.
4. Review, analyze, synthesize, and summarize current research on instructional strategies, emerging AI trends, and assistive technology. Develop materials and resources to disseminate to the field, including products in parent-friendly language that explain how these tools support their child's IEP and academic growth.
5. Assist in the development of data and assessment systems to monitor progress in reading and math for students with disabilities. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of program functions—including the impact of newly implemented AI and technological tools—on student outcomes and program compliance.
6. Prepare program plans, annual performance reports, budgets, expenditure plans, contracts, memoranda of agreement, legislative testimony, memos, and other documents as required to meet state and federal mandates.
7. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in education with specialization in a subject field appropriate to the area(s) of assignment.

Substitutions for Education:

• Certificate/license in special education plus two (2) additional years of relevant experience in a subject field appropriate to the area of assignment.

Preferred Education

Master's degree in special education or a field related to education of individuals with disabilities, with foundational knowledge of the science of learning and teaching.

Experience

Six (6) years of responsible professional work experience in education of which four (4) years shall have been in teaching and two (2) years in curriculum or program planning, as appropriate.

Substitution for Experience

Nine (9) years of responsible professional work experience in pre-K-12 education of which at least three (3) years shall have been as a resource teacher, curriculum coordinator, special education support related services position, coordinator or coach for specially designed instruction for students with disabilities. (i.e., early reading, foundational reading skills in special education).

Desired Experience

Professional experience providing direct services to a range of students, from struggling learners to students with disabilities and/or a variety of needs that present barriers to learning.

Combined Education and Experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable as determined by the Department. Substitutions can be considered for the requirement of experience in an education program, agency, or system.

Knowledge

Foundations of curriculum and instruction; instructional media and computers; foundations of American education; tests and measurements; principles of learning and individual differences; curriculum design and development; educational statistics; purposes, methods, subject matter and materials pertinent to the area(s) of assignment; research developments, trends and current issues or problems pertinent to the area(s) of assignment; laws, rules, regulations and administrative procedures pertinent to the area(s) of assignment.

Desired Knowledge

Language Arts (Literacy) and Mathematics instructional strategies, curriculum, and intervention programs for students with diverse disabilities, including the Science of Reading and evidence-based numeracy strategies; current trends and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Instructional Technology in educational settings; foundations of special education programs, instructional materials, strategies, and methodologies; research methodology and data analysis techniques to monitor student progress and evaluate program effectiveness; administrative principles regarding budget preparation, government procurement/contracting, and legislative processes; change management models required to integrate new technologies into existing educational frameworks, including facilitators and barriers to implementation; ethical use of a variety of tools, instructional media and equipment to support educational personnel and students; data privacy within the context of student records; workload reduction strategies for special educators through technology; state-level legislative and budgetary procedures;

Ability to

Provide leadership, planning and coordination in the area(s) of assignment; develop, analyze and evaluate plans, programs and procedures; communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing; operate computer and other business machines; use tools, equipment, instruments or devices appropriate to the area(s) of assignment; maintain awareness of developments in curriculum or program areas.

Desired Ability to

Design and deliver professional development (PD) for adult learners on evidence-based strategies and technical tools; and manage administrative functions, including the oversight of budgets, expenditure plans, and contracts to ensure fiscal responsibility and program sustainability; coach and mentor district/complex staff on technical implementation challenges; translate technical or legal jargon into accessible language for families and stakeholders; proactive problem-solving regarding the barriers to AI/tech adoption in schools; coordinate cross-functional teams to align special education services with general education standards; use advanced problem solving and decision making to address system level issues, coaching and use of confidence building techniques and strategies within teams to implement evidence-based practices, establish respectful relationships with diverse team members; demonstrate and model reflective practices, professional and ethical actions; use leadership skills to develop training plans, conduct in-service training applicable to special education and related services topics, adapt training to the learning situation; cope effectively with crisis situations and proactively problem-solve challenges; coordinate and collaborate with school and district/complex level staff; organize and prioritize work assignments.

SALARY RANGE

EOSR-7, $114,820 to $162,535.

Department of Education certificated employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations.

WORK YEAR AND BENEFITS

This appointment will be on a 12-month basis with vacation and sick leave provided according to applicable regulations.

POSTING CYCLE

Vacant or unfilled positions may be internally and/or externally advertised on the 1st and/or 16th of any calendar month.

APPROVED

Robert Davis

Interim Assistant Superintendent

Office of Talent Management