Educational Specialist II - Academic Advancement Section, 72808 (2026-03342)

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Educational Specialist III/Admin of the Academic Advancement Section, the Educational Specialist II provides leadership in the planning, development, and evaluation of evidence-based and culturally sustaining professional development opportunities to complex areas and schools.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership in the planning, development, and evaluation of evidence-based and culturally sustaining professional development opportunities to complex areas and schools
• Leads processes associated with content standards implementation and integration within a student-centered learning framework
• Leads accomplishing standards-based learning through interdisciplinary, integrated, place-based, and project-based initiatives
• Provides leadership for the development, review, and/or integration of instructional practices and materials, formative assessment practices, and project- and aina-based learning initiatives that connect content area standards and support Na Hopena Ao (HA) and General Learner Outcomes (GLOs)
• Conducts studies and analyses of program needs and effectiveness, evaluates current trends, and integrates research data to solve problems and recommend new or revised policies, programs, resources, and initiatives
• Evaluates and monitors the program, assesses and identifies the needs of the tri-level system to support complex area efforts to provide differentiated support among schools and to ensure system-wide program implementation, established instructional policies, and legal and administrative directions
• Reviews and prepares testimonies, reports, and presentations to the Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii State Board of Education, and the Department
• Prepares program plans, budgets, expenditure plans, contracts, memoranda of agreement, memos and other documents as required
• Follows all Department, state and federal procurement and contractual requirements
• Coordinates and monitors required actions within the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design and communicates with school-level staff in relation to various interdisciplinary initiatives and events
• Keeps abreast of current significant research in curriculum development, instructional methodologies, instructional coaching and mentorship, project- and place-based education, student engagement, technology integration, and formative assessment, as well as related topics
• Serves as a liaison between the Department and other State government agencies, community groups, professional organizations, and national agencies and organizations
• Serves as the Department's representative on a variety of internal and external stakeholder meetings, inter-agency projects, and committees
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Education Substitution: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or valid certificate license in education plus five (5) additional years of relevant experience in a subject field appropriate to the area of assignment.

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.

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

• Understanding of schools of philosophy, developments, practices, principles, methods and technical aspects in a field of educational specialty
• Foundations of curriculum and instruction
• Curriculum design and development
• Group dynamics and group problem-solving techniques
• Project management methodologies
• Purposes, methods, subject matter and materials pertinent to the area(s) of assignment
• Laws, rules, regulations and administrative procedures pertinent to the area(s) of assignment

Desired Knowledge

• Project- and aina-based learning
• Research on contemporary, innovative instructional models
• Familiarity with evidence-based and culturally-sustaining instructional practices
• Experience with implementing action research processes

Abilities

• 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
• Work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with others to achieve goals
• Design and implement innovative instructional strategies or initiatives
• Strong analytical, communication (oral and written), problem solving, and project management skills
• Plan and lead workshops, seminars, and other professional-level training sessions

Desired Abilities

• Instructional coaching skills
• Program management, evaluation, implementation, and monitoring
• Effective collaboration with a variety of constituents to accomplish program goals
• Innovative family and engagement strategies
• Effective partnership development with community agencies
• Identification and incorporation of current technology into curriculum frameworks to improve instructional delivery
• Grant writing
• Survey development and administration
• Short- and long-term planning and coordination in the area(s) of assignment
• Awareness of current and emerging research in the related area(s)
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
• Innovative thinking, and adaptability
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Design thinking
• Growth mindset

Pay

EOSR-7, $114,820 to $162,535. Department of Education certificated employees will be placed on the salary range in accordance with Department regulations.

Schedule

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

Benefits

• Paid holidays (observance conditions apply per collective bargaining agreement)
• Vacation: 21 days per year
• Sick Leave: 21 days per year (accumulated unused credits may be used toward computing retirement benefits)
• Health Insurance: State-paid portion of premiums for Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan
• Group Life Insurance: Free policy for employees and retirees
• Premium Conversion Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Island Flex)
• Retirement Plan
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA)
• Deferred Compensation
• Temporary Disability Insurance
• Social Security
• Workers' Compensation
• Union & Collective Bargaining representation