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

Hawaiʻi State Department of Education; Section (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Health insurance

Group Life Insurance

Retirement plan

Tax shelter annuity

Job summary

Hawaii State Department of Education seeks an Educational Officer to lead the statewide Alternative Learning Programs and ALPSS initiatives. You will guide curriculum, staff development and resource management to meet strategic goals.

The position requires deep knowledge of education systems and strong leadership for program implementation. Salary ranges EOSR-8, $119,706 to $169,453, with a 12-month certificated schedule and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Education master’s degree in education or relevant field.
• Bachelor's degree plus two years applicable experience allowed as substitution.
• Eight years of professional education experience, including four in teaching and four in curriculum or program planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate alternative learning programs aligned with ALPSS goals.
• Provide guidance, monitoring and data-informed decisions for ALPSS.
• Represent the program in meetings and manage resources, staff and facilities.
• Collaborate with OSSS and stakeholders to support identified at-promise students.
• Prepare reports and contribute to department planning and policy.

Skills

Writing ability

Computer literacy

Leadership

Education

Master's in Education

Bachelor's + 2 years substitution

8 years professional education experience

Job description

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.

Written examination/assignment may be administered to help determine possession of the knowledge and abilities portions of the minimum qualification requirements

Examples of duties

• 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.

5. Performs other related duties as assigned.

• 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.

Minimum qualifications

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.

Supplemental information

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

Equal opportunity

The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Payday

New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.

12-month certificated employees enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Holidays: Employees observe paid holidays during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Vacation: 12-month certificated employees earn 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12-month certificated employees earn 21 days per year. Accumulated (unused) credits may be used toward computing retirement benefits.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a before-tax basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits.
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.

Internal application qualification

Are you a current salaried employee who is a tenured educational officer or was previously a tenured educational officer in the Hawai`i State Department of Education?

• Yes
• No