Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman today announced the creation of a new executive leadership position at the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) focused on issues of equity. The Associate Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will be charged with driving ADE’s internal and external efforts to better serve under-represented, marginalized, and at-risk students and their families.
“All of Arizona’s students deserve the chance to succeed and reach their full academic potential, regardless of their background,” said Superintendent Hoffman. “This leadership position is among the first of its kind in the nation. It reflects my administration’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion both in our internal practices and in the state policy we help drive.”
Among other responsibilities, the new Associate Superintendent will be tasked with identifying opportunities for cross-agency collaboration, developing a state strategic plan for equity initiatives, and working with the Policy & Government Relations team to propose legislative solutions to state lawmakers. The Associate Superintendent will also participate in many of the State Superintendent’s task-force groups that focus on issues of equity, such as the African American Advisory Council, Latinx Advisory Council, Culturally Inclusive Practices Advisory Council, and more.
Interested individuals can apply by e-mailing their resume and cover letter to communications@azed.gov using the subject line “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Acceptance of applications will end on May 24, 2019. The full job description for the Associate Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion can be found below.
Associate Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Responsible for:
- Leading ADE’s internal efforts to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.
- Identifying opportunities for cross-agency collaboration to better serve under-represented, marginalized, and at-risk students and their families.
- Providing ADE staff with professional development and resources focused on cultural competence and biases.
- Leadership and oversight of program areas assigned by the Superintendent.
- Assessing internal processes in collaboration with Human Resources to ensure that workplace policies are equitable, culturally responsive, and promote diversity.
- Developing a state strategic plan for equity initiatives and related public policies with the input of stakeholders and ADE staff.
- Engaging with staff, districts, and community stakeholders on equity issues and proposed solutions to strengthen communities through more equitable resources and educational practices.
- Working with Policy & Government Relations team to propose legislative solutions for lawmakers.
- Participating in committees, advisory councils, or task force groups that focus on issues of equity (e.g. African American Advisory Council; Culturally Inclusive Practices Advisory Council), and support committees and ADE staff on the implementation of collective ideas and goals.
- Monitoring statewide data on achievement gaps among groups of students and bring together ADE staff and other stakeholders to develop strategies and solutions.