School Improvement Specialist (01021)

This first review of applications will be July 22, 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

**This position is eligible for full-time telework within the State of Montana**

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners. 

Benefits of working for OPI:

·         Work/life balance

·         Family friendly

·         Dedicated and caring colleagues

·         Health coverage

·         Retirement plans

·         Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

·         Opportunities and room for professional growth

·         Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: This position provides school improvement services for schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement under ESSA in the Title I School Improvement at the Office of Public Instruction.  The position implements the OPI’s initiative to continuously improve schools, striving towards long-term student growth and promoting local control and flexibility while meeting the provisions under ESSA. The position provides onsite and virtual leadership and technical support for schools to implement school-wide practices, high-impact strategies, and interventions for improving teaching and learning that are informed by data and responsive to student needs, using Multi-tier Systems of Support (MTSS).  Particular attention is given to school leader and teacher needs in providing culturally appropriate instruction for American Indian students and closing the achievement gap.  The position also provides support for schools to establish and maintain school climates that ensure the development of the whole child and meaningfully engage, support, and challenge all students and educators.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of theory, principles, and techniques of educational research, professional development research, effective schools research, design and evaluation, and theory, principles, and practices in educational and program administration.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of learning, educational supervision, group process, data collection and analysis, curricular and instructional strategies and methodologies, classroom and alternative assessment practices, accreditation and certification, instructional technology.
• Knowledge of the goals, purposes, and reporting requirements for compliance for state and federal agencies, State Board of Public Education administrative rules for accreditation of schools.
• Knowledge of the philosophy, policy, rules, and regulations governing schools
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations and policy and procedures, and apply them to the collection, analysis and evaluation of school improvement data and to implementation of a professional development framework.
• Ability to maintain high level of technical and educational skills, providing leadership for policy.
• Ability in leadership and teamwork skills, establishing and maintaining working relationships with co-workers, technical personnel, diverse groups of professionals, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others using verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively, pooling or combining ideas, efforts, and experiences to improve innovation, efficiency, and performance of the division and the office.
• Ability to work with local clerks, school boards, tribal government, superintendents, teachers, support staff, principals, and students.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

·         Bachelor’s degree in education or related degree.

·         Three years’ experience education, educational leadership, professional development, research, design, curriculum, and classroom assessment or related experience.

·         Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. 

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.