National Assessment of Educational Progress Specialist (Education Specialist III)
State of Nebraska

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Education - Agency 13

Location:
Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:
$33.532

Job Posting:
JR2026-00024506 National Assessment of Educational Progress Specialist (Education Specialist III) (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
04-08-2026

Job Description:
Are you an education leader looking for a new opportunity? Join the Nebraska Department of Education as a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Specialist and help shape how student achievement is communicated and understood across Nebraska.

This position is part of the statewide assessment team and will lead coordination of NAEP, often called the "Nation's Report Card." You will work with schools, districts, and the U.S. Department of Education to manage testing logistics, provide guidance, and conduct on-site monitoring. You'll also bring data to life by analyzing assessment results at the national level and helping stakeholders understand trends and make informed decisions that impact students statewide.

We're seeking someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing multiple priorities. The ideal candidate communicates clearly, builds strong relationships with diverse partners, and approaches challenges with a proactive, problem-solving mindset. If this sounds like you and you're ready to take on a role with meaningful responsibility and impact, we encourage you to apply.

Currently on a contract? Don't worry! We'll wait for the right candidate to be released from their contract.

**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.**

Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Pay Grade 9: $69,746.51/year ($70,618.34/year after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026)

This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

Teammates Enjoy

In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $28,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

• Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more!
  • Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types
  • 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans
• Thirteen paid holidays per year

Essential Functions

• Ensures schools are notified about their selection for participation, student lists are submitted, all requirements are met, and the NAEP testing process is properly implemented.
• Promotes understanding about NAEP and its relevance to the state assessment program by attending NAEP testing sessions, answering questions about NAEP, updating the NAEP website and providing outreach to district personnel about NAEP through phone conversations, visits, and presentations.
• Analyzes and interprets NAEP data and provides information related to results, trends and implications.
• Serves as liaison between the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) for all NAEP related activities, communications, and reporting requirements.
• Conducts on-site monitoring of the NAEP assessment process.
• Coordinates security visits for statewide testing.
• Maintains records of annual security visits and provides summative reports to the Director of Statewide Assessment.
• Develops an annual NAEP work plan to outline planned activities, timelines, and deliverables aligned with USDOE requirements.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver's license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions and Travel:

This position requires approximately 80% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 20% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, and meetings. There is also approximately fifteen days of overnight travel per year.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in the field of education or related subject area, two years of successful preK12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school, or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

NOTE: A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position.

Substitution: Bachelor's degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, and four years of teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807.

Preferred Qualifications:

Four years of successful school administration experience and local or regional experience in the area of assessment, implementing Nebraska's system of statewide testing.

This position is federally funded and may be governed by the Federal Hatch Act. Click here to review the Act.

If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at nde.hrjobpostings@nebraska.gov.

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/

Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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