Licensure Specialist and Placement Coordinator; Instructor of Teacher Education

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Dean of the School of Education, the Field Placement Coordinator and Licensure Specialist will work with school districts and Bushnell students to place candidates out in the field for practicum experiences. In addition, the employee will prepare all documents for licensure to recommend candidates to TSPC. The individual should have a strong competence for teacher education and licensure processes. Effective interpersonal and communication skills and the desire to support the mission of Bushnell University are paramount in this position.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate with school district personnel to coordinate placements for Bushnell candidates enrolled in a practicum experience
• Prepare and maintain necessary documents for licensure recommendation with TSPC, including the coordination of all candidate field placement paperwork; track candidate progress for all licensure requirements; follow up with candidates to ensure licensure requirements are met
• Create and maintain candidate education files for current and historical purposes
• Work with the Academic Advisor for collaboration of field placements and academic plans for candidates
• Maintain continuous attention to effective communication with all K-12 stakeholders; respond to phone calls and emails from candidates and/or district and school personnel regarding placements and/or licensure in a timely manner
• Actively participate in the growth and marketing of the School of Education programs, including the forming and fostering of relationships with candidates, colleagues, completers, and community partners, where appropriate
• Plan, prepare, and facilitate practicum-related orientations for candidates and Field Supervisors
• Affiliate with admissions to the School of Education
• Develop and maintain current field placement packets and manuals
• Draft and file annual Title 2 Reports
• Affiliate with the Associate Dean of Education for annual state and national accreditation reporting
• Coordinate all student field placement paperwork
• Collect data and prepare reports and surveys
• Attend all program events and required meetings
• Ensure compliance of program with TSPC regulations under advisement of Associate Dean of Teacher Education
• Communicate and understand processes and procedures as they relate to the School of Education and other departments within the faculty realm
• Monitor and document candidate completion of all licensure requirements
• Maintain a resource and submission platform in BeaconLearning for all required practicum documents, content knowledge exams (ORELA), and performance assessments (edTPA)
• Plan and facilitate Field Supervisor meetings
• Assist and guide Field Supervisors, Cooperating Teachers and candidates with concerns, questions, processes and/or procedures
• Meet regularly with the Associate Dean of Education to ensure operation of programs
• Affiliate with the Associate Dean of Education for specialized administrative support
• Facilitate the evaluation of each of your classes each semester and contribute to the evaluation of the curriculum and instruction ensuring the delivery of quality academic programs
• Follow the current Faculty Handbook as it pertains to faculty roles and responsibilities
• Interact with the Registrar’s office in transcript evaluation and recording of student progress, as required
• Participate in marketing of the programs as well as forming partnerships with colleagues and students where appropriate

General for All with Instructional Duties

• Maintain teaching load as assigned
• Engage in collaborative research and learning activities
• Maintain and post regular office hours as specified in the Faculty Handbook
• Attend all regular and special faculty meetings
• Serve on faculty committees, as assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty within Faculty Handbook guidelines
• Complete embedded course assessment and/or program assessment activities
• Facilitate the evaluation of each of your classes each semester and contribute to the evaluation of the curriculum and instruction, ensuring the delivery of quality academic programs
• Contribute to development of library resources in area of teaching expertise
• Participate in academic and/or licensure advising, as assigned
• Follow the current Faculty Handbook as it pertains to faculty roles and responsibilities
• Interact with the Registrar’s office in transcript evaluation and recording of student progress, as required
• Participate in marketing of the programs as well as forming partnerships with colleagues and students where appropriate
• Contribute to the integration of faith and learning by addressing this issue in class and in curriculum standards
• Fulfill any other duties as assigned by supervisor

Experience and Qualification Requirements

• Master’s Degree required in teaching/education
• Knowledge of the PK-12 school curriculum, state standards, and research based best practices is a must
• Detail-oriented and provide the organizational skills to maintain documents necessary for state licensure and careful tracking of candidate field placements
• Familiar with state teacher licensure requirements is preferred
• Identify with, and support, the Bushnell Theological Context for Community statement
• Experience utilizing Windows and Microsoft-based software including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Experience utilizing e-mail for the purposes of organizational communications
• Listening skills and the ability to speak and write clearly are essential to the position

Working Conditions/Special Requirements

• Bushnell seeks candidates who demonstrate a vibrant and maturing Christian faith.
• The applicant’s list of references should include the applicant’s pastor or another appropriate church leader who is able to address the applicant’s faith background.
• The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
• The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug-free environment.
• The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
• The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy, project a positive and vibrant attitude in assisting people, and have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff, and business of the department and the University.