Professional Development Specialist (PDS) #4365

Christina School District; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a Professional Development Specialist to provide training and technical assistance related to autism education programs. This role involves developing and conducting various training sessions and collaborating with staff to enhance professional development. Ideal candidates will possess a Master’s degree and have experience in providing professional development activities. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for success in this role, as well as a commitment to inclusive education practices.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• 3–5 years’ experience in providing professional development.
• Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis preferred.
• Data analysis, evaluation, and presentation skills preferred.
• Teaching experience in classrooms.
• Strong research and data collection skills.
• Proficient with computers and presentation software.
• Excellent verbal and written English.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction to teams on education of students with autism.
• Develops, organizes, and offers training sessions.
• Works collaboratively with LEA staff for professional development plans.
• Prepare lesson materials and evaluation tools for training.

Skills

Excellent communication and diplomatic skills

Knowledge of current evidence-based practices

Data analysis and program evaluation experience

Strong presentation skills

Professional level of verbal and written fluency in English

Computer literacy

Diplomacy

Research skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, or Speech and Language Pathology

ABA certification (Preferred)

Tools

Presentation applications

Computers

Job description

Professional Development Specialist (PDS) #4365 JobID: 4365

• Position Type: Delaware Autism Program / Specialist
• Date Posted: 3/9/2020
• Date Available: Mutually agreeable

Months of Employment: 12 months

Position: Professional Development Specialist (PDS)

Reports To: Statewide Director, Delaware Autism Program

This position falls under the Statewide Programs for Services for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to provide training and technical assistance across the State. The Christina School District has been designated as the school district to administer the Statewide Program for students with an educational classification of ASD; therefore, a candidate who is offered this position would be an employee of the District. However, this position and the related job responsibilities were identified and approved through the actions of the General Assembly and can be found in Delaware Code, Title 14, Section 1332. Funding for this position has been specifically earmarked in Delaware Code.

Primary Function

Provides instruction to teams on areas critical to the education of students with autism using a variety of instructional techniques. The PD specialist develops, organizes and/or offers training sessions using lectures, group discussions, team exercises, hands‑on examples, and other training formats. Some training is delivered via video, web‑based program, or self‑guided instructional manual. Training may also be collaborative, allowing employees to connect informally with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through technology.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, or Speech and Language Pathology
• 3–5 years’ experience in providing professional development activities to school staff
• Knowledge of current evidence‑based practices
• Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (Preferred)
• Data analysis, program evaluation experience, and strong presentation skills (Preferred)
• Successful classroom teaching experience
• Research skills including data collection and summarization, graphic production, and presentation (Preferred)
• Current knowledge of computers, presentation applications, and equipment
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills
• Professional level of verbal and written fluency in English required

Salary

Salary Schedule can be found on the district’s website and will be calculated on 12 months. Salary Schedule link: https://www.christinak12.org/cms/lib/DE50000539/Centricity/Domain/130/FY2020%20Administrators.pdf

Application Procedure

Interested applicants must apply online and upload a letter of interest, resume, proof of certification, and three dated letters of recommendation (within the last year). In order to be considered for this position, you must apply specifically for the Job ID listed for this position. Apply online: http://www.applitrack.com/christina/onlineapp/default.aspx

Position Responsibilities

• Works under limited supervision of Statewide Director, Delaware Autism Program
• Provides professional development and performance management strategies to staff in programs serving students with ASD and I/DD throughout Delaware
• Works collaboratively with LEA staff to develop a plan of professional development based on results of pre‑assessments
• Works individually or with other Office of Statewide Director (OSD) PDS’s or with external contractors to ensure professional development is implemented effectively and efficiently
• Prepares lesson plans and learning modules to guide instruction to staff
• Develops and/or identifies assessment and evaluation tools for use with all aspects of training
• Position requires travel. Position requires working in a variety of homes, classrooms, and community environments
• Work environments will vary depending on the training provided. Interactions with students, teachers, therapists, and parents may occur
• Provides performance management strategies to ensure critical concepts are learned and implemented successfully
• Develops training materials; assembles all materials into training manual (TBD)
• Interacts with state and district personnel; provides information when requested
• Performs assessments and aspects of the OSD evaluation plan
• Works collaboratively with external consultants
• Performs administrative tasks such as monitoring costs, scheduling PD events, setting up systems and equipment, and coordinating enrollment
• Shares outcomes of PD with stakeholders when needed/requested
• Collects data and assesses program’s monitoring and evaluation activities
• Contextual understanding of the Delaware public school system
• Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other marginalized status

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Employment Conditions

Employment is conditional upon receipt of an acceptable criminal background report, a negative pre‑employment drug screening and a child abuse registry check showing you are not on the registry at any level.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Christina School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.

Postings current as of 2/20/2026 5:43:25 AM CST.