PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SPECIALIST

State of Arizona; Phoenix; Hybrid; ZAR 1 155 000 - 1 239 000; Full time

Job summary

A state education agency seeks a Professional Learning Specialist in Phoenix. This role involves supporting educator development through training and collaboration while utilizing a hybrid work model. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in education or a related field and at least 5 years of teaching experience. The position includes specific benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, along with a salary range of $70,000 to $75,000.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance

Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans

Ten paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave for newborns or newly-placed foster/adopted children

Qualifications

• A valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card or ability to obtain one before employment.
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience.
• 3 years of site/district leadership or instructional coaching.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate professional learning sessions.
• Collaborate on training content design.
• Collect and disseminate data to support programs.

Skills

Collaborating with teams

Project and strategic plan development

Providing differentiated technical assistance

Effective communication

Problem-solving techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction or leadership

Job description

Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SPECIALIST

Job Location

Title II Section

Phoenix Location

Posting Details

Salary: $70,000 - $75,000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 01/07/2026

Job Summary

• The Professional Learning Specialist will support the State Education Agency (SEA) in its fulfillment of the professional development program under state activities carried out under Title II, Part A, Supporting Effective Instruction Grant.
• This position will support the design, revision, implementation, and facilitation of educator leadership academies, training, and other professional learning opportunities and work cooperatively to implement and monitor effective systems, based on data and research, to increase the effectiveness of teachers in high need Arizona schools and districts.
• Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessate.

Job Duties

• Preparation for and facilitation of professional learning
• Collaboration in the design and revision of training content
• Collection, organization, validation, and dissemination of data to support the Effective Teachers and Leaders team
• Project work to support the Effective Teachers and Leaders team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge in

• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) particularly relating to Title II; Methods and instructional strategies that strengthen the academic program of a school and LEA
• Implementation of a well‑rounded program of instruction, conditions for learning, and systems of support to meet the academic needs of all students
• Leadership and management techniques
• Applicants must have taught or administered an educational program
• A bachelor’s degree in education or related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required
• Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and 3 years of site/district leadership or instructional coaching

Skills in

• Working and collaborating with teams
• Project and strategic plan development, implementation, and evaluation
• Providing professional learning using a variety of delivery methods
• Applying systems thinking
• Applying problem‑solving techniques
• Providing differentiated technical assistance and support.

Ability to

• Communicate effectively with educators at all levels and the public
• Guide and support school leaders in designing, implementing, and evaluating effective program models
• Manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision and respect for confidentiality
• Prioritize tasks and develop workflow so that deadlines are met
• Develop, maintain, and enhance effective collaborative partnerships with internal departments and external stakeholders

Selective Preference(s)

• Advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction or leadership
• Applicants with extensive experience in instructional coaching or school/district leadership

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Applicants must have a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card or the ability to obtain one prior to employment start date.
• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post‑offer medical/physical evaluation.
• Driver’s License Requirements.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short‑term disability insurance plans
• Top‑ranked retirement and long‑term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi‑weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi‑weekly
• Paid Parental Leave—Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly‑placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.

Retirement

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

Contact Us

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542‑3186 or emailing [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).