Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement)
At the Iowa Department of Education, our mission is to ensure every student experiences a world-class education. To achieve that mission, we need passionate professionals who are ready to make a meaningful difference for students, educators, and communities across Iowa.
We are seeking an Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement) to support schools and districts across Northeast Iowa, including the communities of Dubuque, Delaware, Clayton, Fayette, Chickasaw, Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee counties.
This region offers something unique: vibrant river communities, historic towns, strong local schools, scenic bluffs, outdoor recreation, and close-knit communities where education truly matters. From the Mississippi River corridor to the rolling hills of Decorah and beyond, this is an opportunity to build your career while supporting students in one of Iowa's most distinctive and beautiful regions.
In this role, you will help strengthen special education systems, improve student outcomes, and partner directly with educators to implement evidence-based practices that support learners with academic and behavioral needs.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
• Regional Impact: Serve multiple school communities across Northeast Iowa and help improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Meaningful Work: Support inclusive practices, stronger instruction, and student success across diverse settings.
• Flexibility: Regional and flexible work location (must reside in Iowa).
• Professional Growth: Collaborate with statewide leaders and national experts in special education and continuous improvement.
• Quality of Life: Live and work in a region known for natural beauty, recreation, affordable living, and welcoming communities.
What You'll Do
• Lead Professional Learning & Systems Improvement
• Provide professional learning to support statewide implementation of evidence-based practices for Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).
• Facilitate development and delivery teams that improve instructional systems.
• Provide technical assistance focused on instructional design, implementation, and student outcomes.
• Support schools in moving from exclusionary discipline practices to safe, predictable, student-centered learning environments.
• Use implementation science to scale successful practices across districts and schools.
• Support Educators & Student Success
• Design, develop, implement, and evaluate professional learning in areas such as:
• Literacy
• Postsecondary transition
• Work-based learning
• Career and technical education
• Related services
• Required components of IDEA
• Ensure Compliance & Program Effectiveness
• Support monitoring of IDEA implementation, including self-assessments and data collection.
• Identify commendations, areas of noncompliance, and needed corrective actions.
• Assist districts with audit findings and improvement planning.
• Help develop and communicate policy, regulations, and statewide guidance.
• Collaborate Across Iowa
• Serve on statewide teams focused on improving learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Build partnerships with educators, administrators, families, and community stakeholders.
What You Bring
• Passion for public service and improving outcomes for students
• Ability to lead teams and initiatives without direct supervisory authority
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal effectiveness
• Confidence working in complex environments and meeting deadlines
• Desire to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Some evenings/weekends required, with in-state and occasional out-of-state travel.
What's In It For You?
• Opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of Iowa students and families
• Supportive, collaborative work culture
• Flexible regional work location
• Talented colleagues who invest in your success
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including IPERS retirement, health insurance, paid leave, and more
Apply Today
Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about relevant experience in their application and may also submit a cover letter and resume.
If you would like to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact
[email protected]
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas:
a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting;
b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting;
c. Professional personnel administration including such areas as job analysis, performance appraisal systems, selection devices, or labor relations;
d. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience including the preparation or analysis of financial statements;
e. Professional experience in a major technical program area utilized by the Iowa Department of Education or Board of Educational Examiners.
2) A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.
3) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.
4) Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.
Why Choose the State of Iowa?
At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.
Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:
Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.
Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.
Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.
Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.
Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.
Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.
Join Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover
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