Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Coordinating Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist – Alternative Teaching Pathways will coordinate with internal and external applicants and candidates of alternative teaching pathways/alternative certification programs to ensure that the programs meet Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Title II federal guidelines. The incumbent of this position plays a crucial role in supporting individuals pursuing alternative pathways to teacher certification. The Instructional Specialist – Alternative Teaching Pathways will be responsible for guiding candidates through the certification process, ensuring they meet all requirements, and providing necessary resources and support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides guidance and support to individuals pursuing alternative certification pathways, including assessing eligibility, explaining requirements, interviewing, and assisting with application processes;
- Assists with developing and conducting training sessions, workshops and informational seminars to prepare candidates for certification exams, classroom management, and other aspects of teaching;
- Develops and maintains resources such as study guides, instructional materials, and online modules to support candidate preparation and ongoing professional development;
- Stays informed about state and federal regulations regarding teacher certification and ensures all candidates meet the necessary criteria for certification;
- Maintains accurate records of candidate progress, certification statuses and other relevant data to track program effectiveness and ensure compliance;
- Identifies areas for program improvement and contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the alternative certification process;
- Supports and participates in recruitment and hiring fairs and information sessions for alternative teacher pathway candidates;
- Provides advice and guidance to applicants and alternative certification teacher program participants; serves as a resource on alternative certification for current and prospective program participants;
- Conducts observations of program participants as needed;
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge base of Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs and state certification requirements;
- Serves as a local expert on alternative certification programs; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Understanding of certification regulations and requirements, and educational pedagogy;
- Ability to support the management of all documentation related to candidate certification, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards;
- Demonstrated competence in developing, leading and evaluating professional development programs and initiatives;
- Ability to analyze performance and participation data, as well as manage and develop reports;
- Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
- Ability to proactively work in partnership with others to achieve a common goal or necessary objective;
- Ability to effectively convey reliable, accurate information so that the recipient clearly understands its intent;
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite, conducting on-line training opportunities and other technological platforms and programs (i.e. Oracle, Google etc.); and
- Demonstrated skill in effective human relations and in oral and written communications.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in educational leadership, educational administration and supervision, curriculum and instruction or a closely related field required. A minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience required; previous experience with alternative teaching pathway/certification programs preferred.
Certification:
Maryland Professional Certificate with Administrator I endorsement required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
None
