Navigating Employment Opportunities at the Idaho Department of Education
The Idaho Department of Education plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the state. It provides leadership, resources, and support to educators, ensuring that students across Idaho receive a quality education. For those seeking employment in the education sector, the Idaho Department of Education offers various opportunities to contribute to this vital mission.
The Idaho State Board of Education
The Idaho State Board of Education (Board) holds constitutional authority for the "general supervision of the state educational institutions and public school system." State law designates the Board with general supervision, governance, and control of public schools and postsecondary institutions, including community colleges. The Board consists of eight members: seven appointed by the Governor, along with the elected superintendent of public instruction. The Office of the State Board of Education (OSBE) provides professional staff support to the Board and implements its policies and initiatives.
ISEE Program Coordinator Position Overview
One example of an important role within the OSBE is the ISEE Program Coordinator. This position supports educational data collection and usage for the Office of the State Board of Education (OSBE) and acts as a liaison to Idaho public Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The coordinator manages data technology activities concerning the Idaho System for Educational Excellence (ISEE), Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), Unique Student Identifier (EDUID), and other Idaho State Educational agencies’ data programs. Located in Boise, Idaho, the position requires occasional travel to provide onsite technical assistance to LEAs across the state.
Benefits for this position include vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, FICA and Medicare contributions, FMLA, and workers’ compensation insurance. Employees may also participate in medical, dental, and life insurance plans, FSA, 401(k), 457, and IDeal plans. Reduced tuition and fees at institutions under the State Board of Education governance and a flex/hybrid work schedule (at supervisor’s discretion) are additional perks.
This position is exempt from classified service rules under Section 67-5303, Idaho Code, and is an educational professional exempt from overtime.
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Valuing Employees
The Idaho Department of Education values the knowledge, skills, and experience of its employees. The State of Idaho provides a comprehensive compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified, appointed by the elected official, and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. Employees are vested in the PERSI retirement system after five consecutive months of service.
Roles Within the Department
The Idaho Department of Education encompasses a variety of roles, each contributing to the overall mission of supporting education in the state. For example, Cathy Vaughan serves as the administrative assistant to the Idaho Department of Education Federal Programs team. Her responsibilities include tracking and submitting invoices, collecting fiscal data, directing public phone calls, handling bids for event planning, assisting in event material management, and preparing registration and attendance documentation.
Initiatives and Programs
The Idaho Department of Education is involved in various initiatives and programs aimed at improving education across the state. These include:
Structured Literacy Instruction: Providing structured literacy instruction and support to help students with dyslexia succeed.
Optional Fridays: Implementing optional Fridays in some schools, offering intervention and extension programs for students.
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Charter School Support: Supporting the growth and expansion of charter school options. BluumOrg provides partner schools with technical assistance services and supports.
Snowplow Safety Awareness: Encouraging classrooms to participate in the Idaho Transportation Department's Name a Snowplow contest to spread awareness about snowplows and teach future drivers about safety.
Holiday Card Contest: Hosting the annual Idaho Department of Education Holiday Card Contest for public school students in grades K-12.
The Importance of Data
Data plays a significant role in informing educational practices and policies within the Idaho Department of Education. The ISEE Program Coordinator position, for example, focuses on managing and utilizing educational data to improve outcomes for students across the state. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that interventions are targeted to meet the specific needs of students.
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