Specialist - Professional Learning 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

The Mesa Public Schools Professional Learning department consists of certified teacher specialists and an administrator who advance learning for all through the coordination, design, and facilitation of professional learning for adults in support of district goals to support schools as we prepare students for college, career, and community. It is the role of the Professional Learning Specialist to serve in an administrative capacity to work to fulfill this vision. Reports to the Director of Professional Learning.

This position adheres to an extended teacher contract term and the specialist salary compensation guidelines.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Works in close collaboration with the Director in providing leadership, direction, and guidance to staff and in managing operational activities to achieve the district's goals in line with its mission and vision.
• Monitors and creates systems to ensure efficient communication and implementation of professional learning practices, policies, and cross-department functions.
• Assists the Director in the ongoing coaching and evaluation of department personnel.
• Oversees, coordinates, designs, implements, monitors, and evaluates a wide range of professional learning projects and services across all district departments and sites. 
• Analyzes the effectiveness of, and makes recommendations for, future programming and services, as well as alignment of resources to district goals and needs for professional learning. 
• Uses knowledge of Professional Learning Standards to design and evaluate effective professional learning. 
• Monitors emerging trends and educational research and assesses their value to district professional learning opportunities and systems
• Works in coordination with other district departments to analyze data, identify trends, create plans for improvement, and communicate with others as needed.
• Works in collaboration with Human Resources to attract and retain all staff through innovative programs, student teaching partnerships, and leadership development programming.
• Acts on behalf of the Director in his/her absence. 
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools. 

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.  

Education:

• Bachelors degree in related subject area or instructional design
• Master Degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership or related field preferred
• Current Arizona teaching certificate with evidence of highly qualified status 

Experience:

• Minimum five years of successful classroom teaching experience required
• Three years of successful leadership experience at the school or district level preferred
• Qualified Evaluator certification
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate high school-level curricula aligned with state or district standards.
• Department chair, instructional coach, or another leadership position showcasing skills in mentoring and collaborative planning.
• Experience analyzing student performance data and using it to guide instructional strategies and interventions. 

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities. 

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate and demonstrates a commitment to the MPS Promise__ that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Designs and facilitates impactful professional learning for adult learners.
• Communicates effectively, both in writing and speaking, including strong public presentation skills.
• Exhibits strong leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate, and align teams across sites and departments.
• Plans and manages large-scale events and initiatives with attention to detail and efficiency.
• Utilizes technology tools for productivity, collaboration, and instructional design.
• Manages multiple priorities, meets deadlines, and adapts to shifting environments.
• Demonstrates effective collaboration with diverse groups.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Brings a strong work ethic, initiative, and commitment to service excellence.
• Familiarity with school district operations, policies, and procedures is beneficial. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting. 

• Primarily works in an office or professional environment within a school district or high school campus
• Involves facilitating workshops, meetings, and professional development sessions
• May require occasional evening or weekend work for events, training sessions, or district-wide meetings
• Ability to move frequently between classrooms, schools, and meeting venues
• Extended periods of standing while facilitating professional development sessions or observing classroom instruction
• Occasionally lifting and carrying materials, equipment, or technology, typically under 25 pounds 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $65