Education Specialist, Educator Excellence

The education specialist(s) hired for the Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services will focus on core work of the office such as, leadership activities for school leaders, educator evaluation training and model revisions and approvals, professional learning in support of High Quality Instructional Materials implementation, LEA Title II review/approval processes and building pathways to educator certification and growing the profession in RI. In addition to the core work of the office this person will also support ESSER initiatives in the short term and educator preparation initiatives and certification over the long term. DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATIONNONCLASSIFIED JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Education Specialist- Educator Excellence GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Incumbents are responsible for supporting and implementing a system of educator preparation, certification and professional advancement for Rhode Island educators. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of a manager with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment.
Work is subject to review on a periodic basis or upon completion for results achieved and for adherence to professional standards of conduct. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Generally none. May work as part of teams and in collaboration with others with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment to achieve results. May be involved in providing input to the performance management process as a peer or colleague as appropriate.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Ensures that all educator preparation programs in the State meet program approval standards by conducting on-site visits. Collaborates with institutions of higher education and provides technical assistance to support high quality programming and alignment to PK-12 needs.Evaluates requests for certification and ensure schools employ properly certified personnel.Provides technical guidance and assistance in certification processes, beginning teacher supports, evaluation activities and other related work areas.Ensures State educators and higher education are provided with policy information and research about issues related to educator excellence.Review teacher assistant training program requests for approval and develop policies to ensure teacher assistants meet state and federal standards.Identifies exemplary State educators, which includes: soliciting nominations, screening applications, convening panels to select nominees, preparing materials for nominees, and organization of recognition ceremonies. Conducts research in the design and development of a state-of-the-art system of preparation, certification, and professional development of State educators. Provide training and policy support in a variety of educator excellence areas including: educator preparation, certification, evaluation and leadership.Administers grants and other fiscal responsibilities as assigned.Performs related work as assigned.