Field Placement, Internship, and Certification Coordinator
Description:
This position provides coordination of undergraduate and graduate student field placement/internship experiences in public and private schools for the Teacher Education Program and the Graduate Programs in Education and School Counseling. This includes cultivating relationships with educational agencies, securing placements for students in the TEP, Graduate-level School Counseling, and the Graduate Program in Education, and communicating with faculty and students from multiple departments about field placements/internships. In addition, the position includes managing the Teacher Education Program data collection and reporting systems, advising students on issues related to certification, and supervising a work study student.
Primary Duties
Serve as Point of Contact: Act as the initial point of contact for inquiries related to field placements in public and private schools.
Disseminate Information: Distribute initial information (such as semester at a glance, handbook, training dates) about field experience components to students, mentor/cooperating teachers, and university supervisors. Ensure that all stakeholders are informed and updated regarding placement processes.
Manage Written Materials: Under the supervision of the Director, keep materials (such as syllabi, handbooks, and forms) up-to-date and available for students, faculty, and school personnel.
Cultivate Relationships with Local Education Agencies (AKA school districts). Identify and develop ongoing relationships with local education agencies (LEAs) to secure and improve field placement experiences.
Secure Internship, Practicum, and all UG TEP and GRAD EDME Field Placements: Secure placements and manage placement sheets and database entries, communicating effectively with the TEP/GPE Team. Facilitate local school internship and practicum placements for students in the School Counseling Track of the M.A. in Counseling Program.
Assist with Certification Processes: Support students in preparing certification application materials, conducting a certification information meeting each spring. Verify student program completion, guide program completers through TIMS, and communicate with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for policy interpretations and clarifications. Manage and publicize Title II reports received from ETS and develop administrative strategies for managing Certification Office workloads while complying with state and federal regulations.
External Reporting: Responsible for external reporting via website reviews, emails, webinars, and state/local meetings. Stay updated on current state and federal reporting programs (e.g., PA Secure, TIMS, Title II, PDE applications, PDE Major Program Review).Collect and manage data for these reports and submit them for review by the head of the Teacher Education Program (TEP). Internal Reporting Support: Provide data and support for internal reporting needs.
Maintain Attendance: Ensure consistent and reliable attendance, demonstrating a commitment to the role and responsibilities.
Secondary Duties
Identify areas for greater efficiency in each program and assist with the development of plans to improve these areas.
Attend university and external meetings as determined by the Program Directors.
Other duties as assigned.
Education Required
Bachelor's Degree in Education-related field
Education Preferred
Masters Degree in Education-related field
Experience Required
2-3 years of administrative experience
Experience Preferred
3-5 years of experience with teacher education and teacher certification
Skills, Characteristics Required
• Strong organizational skills, including time management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and foresee and plan for upcoming program needs
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate and collaborate successfully across departments and with various constituencies, including external contacts
• Advanced data processing skills including research capabilities, data and problem analysis skills, and computer proficiency
• Ability to quickly learn new computer applications and methods of data reporting
• Polished, professional-level communication skills, including strong writing, editing, speaking and comprehension skills
• Expert computer proficiency including the ability to work independently in Banner, Excel, and various databases as well as understand basic web design
• Ability to work independently on complex projects managing significant portions with little to no oversight
• Understanding of and ability to stay abreast of modifications in compliance and regulations related to teacher certification
• Specialized training in data collection and reporting related to Act 48, ETS PRAXIS scores, Title II, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education also preferred.
Special Working Conditions
N/A
Driving Requirements
N/A