Educational Specialist III - Alternative Learning Section, 606138 (2026-03806)

Hawaii State Department of Education; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawaii State Department of Education seeks an Educational Specialist III to lead and coordinate statewide alternative learning programs under the ALPSS framework. You will guide development, monitor implementation, and align resources with the State Strategic Plan.

The role requires a master’s degree in education (or equivalent) and extensive experience in education planning and supervision, with collaboration across districts and agencies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field required or substitution with relevant experience.
• Eight years of professional education experience, including four years in teaching and four in curriculum or program planning.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating large programs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, enhance, implement and monitor ALPSS statewide program guidance.
• Lead data-driven management and allocation of ALPSS resources.
• Coordinate with OSSS and stakeholders to support identified at-promise students.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Department leadership and legislators.

Skills

Leadership

Program planning

Data analysis

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in education or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience

Job description

This job posting will remain open until 20 applications are received. Please apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time.

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 clear line 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 Director of the Alternative Programs Branch, Office of Student Support Services, the Educational Specialist III:

1. As a part of the Hawaii Multi-Tiered System of Support and to meet the Department Strategic Plan and ALPSS Goals, the Alternative Learning Programs provide intensive supports and services to students who have multiple challenges and are not successful in their traditional learning environments. Assist with developing, enhancing, implementing and monitoring school/Complex Area/District ALPSS to ensure ALPSS State Strategic

Goal 1: High Performing ALPSS:

• provide guidance and support for the development, enhancement, implementation and maintenance of alternative learning programs statewide.
• conduct ongoing program monitoring and support to ALPSS in Complex Area or District programs and school level ALPSS, using data to make informed decisions;
• research and keep abreast of best practices, effective strategies and studies on the national and local levels;
• communicate and collaborate effectively with all program stakeholders, leading engagement efforts with other institutions, businesses, and community agencies in the best interest of the program;
• serve as the Alternative Learning Branch Administrator for ALPSS in meetings, planning, collaboration, monitoring, program design, resource management, program/student transitions, BOE/DOE representative of the program, and supervisor responsibilities.

2. Support the Alternative Learning Program to meet the ALPSS State Strategic Goal 2: Data Driven Resource Management. Align resources to provide equitable support to ALPs to fulfill the goals of the ALPSS State Strategic Plan.

• Fulfillment of measurable student outcomes and use data to inform resource management decisions.
• Assume fiscal responsibilities for State Alternative Learning budgets and funds, ensuring spending is efficient and effective toward strategic goals and student outcomes.
• Assist with resource acquisition, management, facilities and operations responsibilities.
• Research and participate in activities to ensure compliance with state, city and county requirements for asset improvements and management for Alternative Learning funded equipment and facilities.
• Assist with collection and analysis of student and program data for reporting, monitoring, and program implementation and improvement.
• Ensure appropriate use of data for making informed decisions.

3. Provide leadership, direction, supervision, and coordination of the development of statewide guidance for alternative learning programs as it aligns with the Department's 2023-2029 Strategic Plan and ALPSS Strategic goals. Support the development and implementation of activities related to staff professional development and program expectations. Provide information, recommendations, and support as the Alternative Learning resource for proactive and reactive response to ALPSS related concerns.

4. Coordinate and communicate with the Office of Student Support Services (OSSS) and stakeholders on the leadership, technical direction and guidance for the effective administration, operations, communication and program support related to the alternative learning programs providing support services to identified at-promise students.

• disseminate appropriate information to program staff and the field (as applicable) in a timely manner.
• keep abreast of all new program-related developments; identifies the need for research projects; work with public and private groups in program improvement initiatives.
• when necessary, prepare/contribute to reports, testimonies and/or presentations to Department leadership, the BOE and the State Legislature.
• prepare and maintain records and reports as required by law, state directives, and administrative regulations.

5. Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Education Substitution: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or valid certificate/license in education plus two (2) additional years of relevant experience in a subject field appropriate to the area of assignment.

Experience: Eight (8) years of responsible professional work experience in education of which four (4) years shall have been in teaching and four (4) years in curriculum or program planning, as appropriate.

Desired Experience: Supervisory work experience (including School Administration), project management or facilities and operations experience.

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; principles and practices of supervision.

Desired Knowledge: Exemplary practices for educating at-promise students; academic, social, emotional, behavioral and developmental problems of adolescent at-promise students; appropriate interaction and strategies to support students in an Alternative Learning Program; the student population served in an Alternative Learning Program; foundations of project management.

Ability to: writing; operate computer and other business machines; maintain awareness of developments in curriculum or program areas; deal effectively with federal, state, county and departmental officials in accomplishing program goals and objectives.

Desired Ability to: Provide leadership, planning and coordination in the areas of assignment; engage with community, business leaders, and families to ensure a well-rounded education appropriate to one or more areas of assignment; use tools, equipment, instruments and devices appropriate to assignment; provide project management oversight for various asset acquisition and management processes or experience with the development, management, execution and coordination of major programs/activities/projects; supervise personnel; organize/prioritize work and multi-task to maintain an effective work pace while working under deadlines.

SALARY RANGE: EOSR-8, $119,706 to $169,453.

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

All others will be placed on the first step of $119,706.

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.

EDUCATIONAL OFFICER CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT: Priority for appointments shall be given to qualified and tenured educational officers in that class who wish to move to that position through lateral transfer or a voluntary demotion and second to all other qualified educational officers with tenure.

APPROVED:

Robert Davis

Interim Assistant Superintendent

Office of Talent Management