Gifted & Talented/MTSS Program Specialist (00037)

This first review of applications will be August 6, 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email [email protected]

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners. 

Benefits of working for OPI:

·         Work/life balance

·         Family friendly

·         Dedicated and caring colleagues

·         Health coverage

·         Retirement plans

·         Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

·         Opportunities and room for professional growth

·         Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview\: This position provides direction for the design, implementation, and evaluation of school programs for special populations, including Gifted and Talented and Students with Disabilities.   This position works with the Gifted and Talented Education Programs and provides technical assistance to schools, students, and families, as well as acts as the Grant Specialist for the state’s GT legislative grant. This position is also a program support specialist for the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) work at the agency which includes coaching, grant management, and development and delivery of continuing education opportunities. This position assists school districts and other public agencies providing special education, general education, gifted and talented education, and related services through both online learning on the Teacher Learning Hub and in-person training events such as OPI Summer Institute and High School Forum. This position also collaborates with multiple programs within the agency, and other agencies, to coordinate between various grants and initiatives streamlining the services provided.  This position uses a data-driven approach to assist school districts and others in identifying continuing education and technical assistance needs to improve outcomes for Montana students with disabilities and unique learning needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of learning, group process, data collection and analysis, curricular and instructional strategies and methodologies, classroom and alternative assessment practices, accreditation, certification, and instructional technology.

• Knowledge of the goals, purposes, and reporting requirements for compliance for state and federal agencies, State Board of Public Education administrative rules for accreditation of schools.

• Skilled in working effectively as a team member, resolving conflicts.

• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policy and procedures, and apply them to the collection, analysis and evaluation of special education and school mental/behavioral health activities and the determination of program effectiveness.

• Ability to maintain high level of technical and educational skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, technical personnel, diverse groups of professionals and the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others using verbal and written communication.

• Ability to apply federal and state laws and regulations and OPI policy.

• Ability to work cooperatively, pooling or combining ideas, efforts and experiences to improve innovation, efficiency, and performance of the division and the office.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

·         Bachelor’s degree in education or special education or related degree.

·         Three years’ experience in education, professional development research, design and practice, curriculum development or related experience

·         Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. 

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.