Education Program Consultant (Continuous Improvement) - Keystone

About the role

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

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• 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

Additional information

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
• Check out our benefits here!

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about relevant experience in their application and may also submit a cover letter and resume.