Director – School Improvement (Education Specialist IV)

Do you love analyzing data to creatively solve problems? Do complex challenges inspire you? Are you looking for a job with a statewide impact on school improvement using those skills? This is it!

The Nebraska Department of Education is looking for a Director of School Improvement to provide customer service and guidance regarding improvement of student achievement to identified schools (e.g., state-identified Priority Schools and federally-identified Comprehensive Support & Improvement Schools). Successful candidates will have initiative and tenacity to help school systems and adapt solutions to meet schools’ needs, and you’ll join a collaborative, supportive team!

Currently on a contract? Don’t worry! We’ll wait for the right candidate to be released from their contract.

Office Location & Schedule: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Essential Functions

• Provides guidance to state and federally-identified schools throughout the designation, identification, and exit stages and assists with development, implementation, and monitoring of the Priority School Progress Plan and federal improvement plans.
• Ensures plans are designed to increase outcomes for student groups identified in Nebraska’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.
• Establishes and fosters strategic partnerships with school districts and Education Service Units (ESUs) to coordinate supports provided to identified schools.
• Collaborates to collect and analyze data related to student performance, professional learning, and compliance to develop improvement plans.
• Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Working Conditions and Travel:

This position requires approximately 70% of work time spent in an office environment (e.g., state offices, home offices); the remaining 30% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools and ESUs. There is also approximately one day of overnight travel per month.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area, three years of successful preK-12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

Note: A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position.

Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, and five years of teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

Preferred Qualifications: Doctorate or equivalent academic endeavor such as a Six-Year Specialist Certificate, and at least three years of experience as a director, specialist, coordinator, instructional coach, department head, or administrator in a school, ESU, or professional organization facilitating professional learning opportunities.