Assistant Director/Elementary Education Fieldwork

Position Number: S-3243

Type of Recruitment: External

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Elementary Education Fieldwork supports the Office of Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) in providing support to teacher candidates, PK-12 partners, and faculty, offering high-quality professional development, monitoring program progressions, and dispositional growth of teacher candidates across the Elementary programs. This position serves as a liaison between (1) the University, PK-12 schools, and community partners in procuring placements for teacher education candidates and (2) between campus faculty, the College of Education and Human Services, and all other colleges in the University that participate in delivery of clinical field experience courses. This position facilitates, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the clinical field experiences for students enrolled in the secondary and K-12 education programs.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree, preferably in education. Valid teaching certificate. Three years of teaching in the PK-12 school structure or equivalent experience. Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills. Exceptionally strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to plan, establish priorities, and handle multiple tasks and projects. Ability to work efficiently under pressure with careful attention to detail. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office experience. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive attitude. Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Collaborates with the Director of Clinical Experiences in the planning and implementing of all field placements within the EPP. Coordinates and leads all facets of clinical experiences for undergraduate students including student eligibility, site assignments and scheduling, and documentation of all required placement materials, including observations, evaluations, and field documents. Verifies background checks, affiliation agreements, and other requirements for candidates placed in the field. Collaborates with stakeholders in the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to strategically facilitate and maintain effective high-quality partnerships with educational providers such as PK-12 schools/districts/ISDs. Collaborates and supports faculty members of designated clinical experience courses. Coordinates formal and informal assessment of students in field placements, documenting and troubleshooting problem areas in collaboration with faculty and partners. Assesses clinical site-based classroom situations and troubleshoots problems in the field as necessary. Confers with students, faculty, and host teachers regarding students experiencing difficulties and implements plans for support according to the EPP processes for professional dispositions and action plans. Supports the EPP expectations for clinical experiences through student-centered trainings, material creation and dissemination, and participation in EPP committees as assigned. Provides leadership and coordination of professional development for pre-service and beginning teachers aligned to the goals of the teacher education programs and PK-12 partners. Assists with progress monitoring and skill building for CMU teacher education students to support professional readiness. Develops critical experiences that promote student connection and identification with professional associations at the state and national levels. Assists in the organization and planning of the clinical field experiences semi-annual conference. Provides support in compiling and disseminating inf