Administrative Program Specialist 1 - Teaching Learning and School Improvement

Administrative Program Specialist 1 - Teaching Learning and School Improvement

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Agency Internal - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06821

Department

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Division

Teaching, Learning, & School Improvement

Opening Date

08/21/2026

Closing Date

8/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

GENERAL SERVICE

INTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Administrative Program Specialist 1 - Teaching Learning and School Improvement

(Multiple Positions)

$61,332 - $82,440 annually

Closes August 28,2026

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is excited to announce multiple opportunities for Administrative Program Specialist 1 positions within our Professional Certification division. These full-time positions are headquartered in Olympia, Washington, and may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework.

These positions require in-office attendance each Tuesday (subject to include additional days in future), as well as on any mandatory in-office days scheduled throughout the year. in-office attendance is required during onboarding and training to support successful orientation, learning, and integration into the team. While we're happy to offer this balance of in-office connections and telework flexibility, this isn't a fully remote position. We encourage interested candidates to visit the OSPI website to gain insight into our agency.

About OSPI and our initiatives

OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K-12 education in Washington state. Working with the states 295 public school districts and 7 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.

At OSPI, we recognize that our employees are the key to the success of the agency. We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth and values them for their expertise. OSPI is a great place to work and has several initiatives to help create a great working environment, including:

• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on long-term values of newborns and infant-parent bonding. Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We value and are actively involved in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within OSPI by way of cross-divisional, collaborative committee. The focus of the committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing OSPI values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: All students prepared for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.

Mission: Transform K-12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.

Values: Ensuring Equity, Collaboration and Service, Achieving Excellence through Continuous Improvement, Focus on the Whole Child

Equity

Each student, family, and community possesses strengths and cultural knowledge that benefits their peers, educators, and schools. Ensuring educational equity:

• Goes beyond equality; it requires education leaders to examine the ways current policies and practices result in disparate outcomes for our students of color, students living in poverty, students receiving special education and English Learner services, students who identify as LGBTQ+, and highly mobile student populations.
• Requires education leaders to develop an understanding of historical contexts; engage students, families, and community representatives as partners in decision-making; and actively dismantle systemic barriers, replacing them with policies and practices that ensure all students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed in our schools.

Position Overview

This position supports the agency's mission by ensuring all certified educators and education staff associates meet minimum state requirements to serve the children of the state of Washington to the best of their abilities and to have a positive impact on student learning as related to WAC 181-79A and WAC 179-03.

Candidates for this position should understand the agency's commitment to racial justice and our work to create an atmosphere of antiracist practices within the workplace and throughout our work with the public. Candidates for this position must understand and share the values of the agency, division, and department to ensure equity within the workplace and with those with whom we serve.

Collaboration and service is the means in which we approach our work together, through continuous improvement we achieve excellence, and it is through working with these values we can focus our efforts on the children we ultimately serve in Washington state.

This position supports and is supported by cross agency collaboration to fulfill expectations of duties that are assigned.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluation Program Specialist of general educator certification applications and serves as certification specialist to the Professional Certification Office and appropriate stakeholders.

• As necessary, work with the Director, other certification staff, and program specialists to review, monitor, and analyze various certification programs to determine that the certification evaluation activity, performance, and procedures conform to law and policy, and develop modifications as necessary. Conceptualize, develop, and establish new procedures and policies. Implement new certification evaluation programs and activities while ensuring all policies meet current Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Act as consultant to assist the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) in the development and implementation of approved WAC language and standards.
• Perform complex evaluations of certification applications to determine eligibility for first-time certification or certification renewal, involving:
• Determining appropriate endorsement areas for teaching based on institutional recommendations, out-of-state experience, certificate(s) and/or transcripts, or foreign credential evaluation information submitted with an application.
• Notifying the applicant of any requirement deficiencies.
• Making decisions on the approval or denial of certification applications based on current WAC. If denied, shall clearly outline, in writing, the basis for denial or withdrawal of said application.
• Provide advisory services, leadership and technical assistance to Professional Certification program specialist and records staff, college and university certification officers, and Educational Service District (ESD) certification officers with various and complex questions relative to requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Upon request, verify individuals' WA certification to school district personnel, state agencies, employment services, or other public entities. This includes requirements met, standards in place at time of issuance, exam(s) completed, issue and expiration dates, and endorsement area(s).
• Provide analysis and prepare recommendations for the Director to prioritize and carry out section objectives, administrative procedures affecting section operations, and current teacher certification procedures and rules.

Administers, plans, develops, and implements a program for the Out-of-State applicants for Washington certification.

• Knowledge of and implementation of PESB rules and reviews compatibility of applicants to Washington state requirements.
• Evaluates out-of-state applications for educator certification.
• Provides the certification office staff with current information regarding foreign-trained educator programs.
• Serve as Military Liaison per RCW 18.340
• Performing callbacks (average 20 per week)
• Email correspondence
• Bi-annual DOJ, DOVA, and DOD meetings with 49 states

Responsible for the administration, planning, development, and implementation of the administrator certificate program for OSPI.

• Provide analysis and administration of rules and regulations pertaining to administrator certification. Regularly provide professional expertise to college and university personnel, administrator candidates, ESD certification personnel, and the Professional Certification office staff regarding administrator requirements and certification.
• Review and make decisions on the approval and denial of applications for administrator certification. Answers correspondence and oral inquiries regarding Washington standards for certification, application procedures, and specific requirements for certificates.
• Provides advisory services, leadership and assistance to educator stakeholders including school district administrators, teachers, and Institutes of Higher Education.

Perform other work as required and/or assigned.

• Assist the Director in oversight and participation in agency and department policy and operational meetings, committees, and accountability. In addition, this position will be responsible for maintaining and updating all administrator certification content, shall work with other certification and program specialists to conceptually develop, prepare, and revise content of a variety of media outlets pertinent to administration and implementation of certification regulations to meet changing WAC language.
• Once conceptually developed, the incumbent shall supervise and assist support staff to implement updates to all pertinent media outlets. Such information is then available or distributed to districts, educators, other state agencies, colleges and universities, and the general public.
• Serve as backup to other program specialists as needed.
• Provide analysis, administration of rules and regulations to teacher and administrator certification. Regularly provide trainings to School HR personnel, educators, and administrators.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, public or business administration, or closely related field AND one or more years relevant experience in a program specialist role or a regulatory, compliance, or education-focused program environment. (Experience may also include application, licensing, certification or document evaluation roles in high-volume settings.)

OR

• Five (5) years experience in a program specialist role or a regulatory, compliance, or education-focused program environment may be substituted for a degree. (Experience may also include application, licensing, certification or document evaluation roles in high-volume settings.)
• Employees are expected to be available and working during standard business hours (between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.), consistent with their approved work schedule.

Telework arrangements combine in-office collaboration with telework, based on operational needs.

• Minimal travel
• Must reside in the state of Washington.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with:

• Washington State Law, Rules, and Regulations related to public education.
• Washington State Teaching Certification requirements, rules, and policies and procedures.
• Public school administration and organization.
• Organization of non-public schools.
• Preparation and certification policies and trends statewide.
• Reviewing applications and other documentation according to specific criteria.
• Ability to plan and coordinate administrative and education service programs, delegate, supervise, and evaluate professional and technical work of others, interpret statutory and program administrative provisions to Career and Technical Education, and maintain effective public relations.

Compensation

The annual compensation for the position is $61,332 - $82,440 per year and depends upon experience, educational background and qualifications. Geographic differentials may be applied based on work location of successful candidate. Washington State offers a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit Health Care Authority for information regarding health benefits and the Department of Retirement Systems for retirement plan information. This is a general service position. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit.

Application Process

Those interested in this position must apply through Careers.wa.gov. Applications must include the following documents in MS Word or PDF format:

• A letter of interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement;
• A current résumé, and;
• A list of three or more professional references.

NOTE: Your resume and letter of interest must be attached to your application. Please confirm they are attached before you submit.

Please address any questions to:

Sal Salazar, Human Resources

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

600 Washington Street Southeast

Olympia, Washington 98504-7200

360-725-6278: sal.salazar@k12.wa.us

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 725-6270 or (360) 725-6066, or e-mail hroffice@k12.wa.us.

New Jobs Alert Service

OSPI offers a subscription service, which regularly notifies subscribers of new OSPI employment opportunities on careers.wa.gov. Subscribers are notified via text or email alert. If you are interested in this service, then please subscribe at this location.

OSPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. If you would like, please include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resource consultant listed in "Application Process."

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Are you currently an employee at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the answer that best describes your education and experience.

• I have a bachelors degree or higher education, public or business administration, or closely related field, and 1-year relevant experience in a program specialist role or a regulatory, compliance, or education-focused program environment.
• I have a combination of education and experience totaling five (5) or more years of professional level experience in program specialist role or a regulatory, compliance, or education-focused program environment.
• None of the above

03

Do you have experience with Washington State Law, Rules, and Regulations related to public education?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience with Washington State Teaching Certification requirements, rules, and policies and procedures?

• Yes
• No

05

Did you attach the required documents (cover letter, resume, list of references)?

• Yes
• No

06

How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Careers.wa.gov
• OSPI Jobs Page
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• OSPI Employee Referral
• Military Outreach Event
• Career Fair
• Other

07

Do you currently have a relative working in our agency?

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov