State of Maryland

An Education Program Specialist I is one of two specialized levels of work serving as technical specialists providing specialized outreach, intervention, compliance monitoring, and/or curriculum development, consultation, advice and technical assistance in a birth through adult basic education initiative related to Maryland’s comprehensive statewide assessment programs. Employees in this classification provide technical guidance as a member of internal and external work teams.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an Education Program Supervisor or Manager.  The work may require travel throughout the State.

The Education Program Specialist classifications are unique to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).  Each position has an extended title, known as a designated option, which is based on the position’s unique program function and which distinguishes it from others in the same classification assigned different options.  A listing of the designated options assigned to the Education Program Specialist I/II classifications is on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services of MSDE.

Positions in the Education Program Specialist series encompass two levels of broadly related specialized work in which specific work assignments vary considerably among positions based on the program area.  Position allocation within this series is determined on the basis of relative job evaluations among similarly functioning positions and by standards based on the position function and working level.  These position standards are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.

Provides direct, specialized outreach, intervention, compliance monitoring, and/or curriculum development, consultation, advice and technical assistance in a birth through adult basic education initiative related to Maryland’s statewide assessment programs, which includes the Maryland School Performance and Assessment Program (MSPAP), the Maryland Functional Testing Program, the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skill, the Maryland High School Assessment, and the Norm Referenced Test Programs;

Develops and implements programs in the areas of outreach, research and evaluation, assessment and accountability, curriculum and instruction, student and school services, special education and early intervention services, career technology and adult education, instructional technology, teacher education and staff development teacher and administrator certification and school accreditation;

Evaluates program effectiveness, determines program needs and recommends plans for advancing program objectives;

Serves as liaison between MSDE and the community in carrying out MSDE’s program objectives;

Represents MSDE and participates in the activities of other public interest groups involved in the program area;

Interprets and applies State and/or federal regulations governing the program area;

Participates in and may lead interdisciplinary teams in developing goals or standards;

May supervise other employees in nonprogram specialist classifications;

Performs other related duties.

Education:   A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Four years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.

3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Class descriptions broadly define groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Professional Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Professional Service positions.  Some positions in Professional Service classifications may be designated as Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.