Education Program Specialist - Math 6-8

On behalf of the Mathematics Achievement Unit and the Office of Academic Success (Literacy Achievement and Academic Success Section), the Mathematics Education Program Specialist supports statewide efforts to strengthen mathematics teaching and learning in grades 6-8. The specialist leads and coordinates work related to Ohio’s Learning Standards, Model Curriculum, professional learning, assessment alignment, cross‑agency collaboration, research‑based instructional practices, and policy implementation. The role advances Department priorities by ensuring high‑quality instruction, equitable learning opportunities, and coherent statewide systems that promote student mathematics achievement. Serves as an unclassified employee pursuant to Section 3301.13 ORC and performs the following educational and/or research duties:

Major Responsibilities

Standards, Curriculum, and Instructional Support
• Develop and revise Ohio’s 6–8 Mathematics Learning Standards and Model Curriculum to ensure alignment to Department priorities and current research.
• Produce high‑quality guidance documents and resources that support effective mathematics core instruction, intervention and acceleration.
• Provide expertise to support coherent, high‑quality Tier 1 instruction across grades 6–8.

Artificial Intelligence

Integrate AI‑Enabled Tools into Mathematics Instructional Supports
Leverage AI‑powered platforms (such as adaptive learning systems, automated feedback tools, or data‑driven curriculum supports) to enhance K–12 mathematics teaching and learning. This includes identifying high‑quality AI tools, modeling effective use for educators, and ensuring alignment with state standards and instructional vision.

Analyze Data Using AI‑Supported Analytics to Inform Decision‑Making
Use AI‑driven analytics to interpret student performance data, identify learning trends, and support continuous improvement. Apply these insights to guide instructional recommendations, professional learning content, and statewide math achievement initiatives.

 Support Development of AI‑Informed Resources and Professional Learning
Collaborate with content, policy, and implementation teams to design or refine resources—such as model curricula, guidance documents, and universal professional learning—that incorporate AI‑enabled strategies for differentiation, formative assessment, and personalized instruction in mathematics.

Implementation Teams

Participate as a member of the state Implementation teams.

Facilitate data-informed instructional problem‑solving with implementation teams using the Department created common learning walk tool. Support instructional implementation teams with structured data analysis routines, such as using needs assessments, progress monitoring data, and Instructional Practice Guide observations to identify strengths, needs, and next steps in math instruction. Guide teams in developing SMART goals, implementing integrated MTSS processes, and using data to refine instructional plans.

 Provide coaching and technical assistance on evidence‑based math instruction and HQIM use
Partner with instructional implementation teams to model and support the adoption of evidence‑based mathematics instructional practices and high‑quality instructional materials (HQIM). Offer coaching, guidance, and implementation support to ensure fidelity of instructional shifts across classrooms and alignment to statewide mathematics priorities. 
• Coordinate with the Office of Assessment to ensure assessments align with standards and instructional expectations.

Professional Learning and Capacity Building
• Design and facilitate professional learning experiences, including LMS courses, webinars, and in‑person sessions to build state capacity.
• Support educators’ use of evidence‑based instructional practices aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards and Model Curriculum through the development of resources, webinars, and recorded videos. 
• Strengthen statewide regional mathematics networks to build local capacity and improve instructional quality, instructional materials, and math leadership. 
• Share current research, data trends, and best practices with educators, administrators, and stakeholders.
• Support internal knowledge building with cross office teams to support math teaching and learning in Ohio’s lowest performing schools and for all student groups. 
• Prepares & delivers presentations before professional groups & public. 

Policy, Legislation, and Strategic Guidance

· Review and provide recommendations on policy and for proposed legislation for mathematics education.

· Develop tools and resources that support implementation of legislative requirements and statewide initiatives.

· Collaborate on the development of communications and outreach efforts to ensure consistent, accurate messaging around mathematics policies and priorities.

· Represent 6-8 mathematics expertise on internal committees, cross‑agency teams, and statewide initiatives.

Collaboration and Partnerships

· Collaborate with regional providers, higher education partners, local education agencies, and professional organizations to advance mathematics achievement.
Partner with cross‑office teams, including literacy research, to strengthen integration across academic content areas and build math vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

· Engage with state and national organizations to represent the Department’s mathematics initiatives.

· Represents agency at national, state, and regional conferences relative to K-12 academic content, curriculum and instructional practices & methodologies.

· Collaborates with other ODEW colleagues, LEAs and SEAs, ESC’s, and higher education, to promote and foster content specific education as well as the quality of general education provided to Ohio’s students.

Project and Resource Management

· Update and ensure access to all public‑facing math resources, including webpages and guidance documents, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

· Writes reports.

· Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned (e.g., represents agency in professional associations; creates reports and strategic position papers in collaboration with leadership).

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Unusual Working Conditions: Requires travel throughout the State of Ohio and may require overnight stay. Must be willing and able to secure a valid Driver’s License.


 

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

6 years of combined experience in the following:
• Working in an educational setting (K–12, or higher education) with experience in mathematics
• Leading high level initiatives focused on mathematics
• Providing technical assistance or guidance to educators, administrators, or regional education entities
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with experience engaging diverse stakeholders

• The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
• Only For Unclassified Positions: The final applicant for this position will be required to submit urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to an appointment. The State will decline to extend a final offer of employment to any applicant with a verified positive test result. Also, an applicant with a positive test result will not be considered for any position with the State of Ohio for a period of one year.
• The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Office of Human Resources ([email protected]).
 

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.