11/25/2008 20840

DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER QUALITY

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional educational and administrative work in directing a program to improve the quality of teacher preparation and to administer professional educational certification in the Commonwealth.

The employee in this job is responsible for directing the evaluation of educational credentials and the certification of professional educational personnel and for providing leadership and direction in improving teacher preparation throughout the Commonwealth. Work involves the formulation and administration of policies in the areas of teacher preparation and certification and under the general direction of the Deputy Secretary/Commissioner for Postsecondary and Higher Education and developing recommendations to improve requirements and standards for teacher preparation, professional certification, highly-qualified regulations, and National Board Certification. Work also includes responsibility for providing leadership in the redesign of teacher education and teacher preparation in the Commonwealth and working with teacher preparation institutions in the development and improvement of teacher preparation programs in response to new technology and to address changes in teaching methods and requirements. Work additionally involves directing the development, modification and dissemination of competency-based certification criteria and staffing standards for professional personnel in the state's basic education community. The employee provides information and consultative and advisory services to local school districts and higher education representatives in the areas of teacher preparation, certification, and school staffing, and reviews and follows-up on Auditor General school district audit findings to determine appropriateness of audit citations. Supervision is exercised over professional, administrative, technical and clerical staff. Work is performed independently subject to review through conferences, reports, and evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops and implements statewide teacher preparation and certification policies and procedures.

Directs the development and dissemination of teacher preparation, certification, and staffing standards for professional personnel in Commonwealth schools.

Determines the need for new certificates and directs the development of evaluation criteria for certification.

Establishes role statements for each position for which a certificate is issued and a set of minimal qualifications in terms of expected job functions.

Evaluates proposed legislation relating to certification of professional education staff for impact and develops recommendations for changes.

Provides advisory and consultative services to higher education institutions involved in teacher preparation concerning teacher education standards and regulations.

Establishes competency-based teacher education programs.

Correlates competency-based teacher education activities with the redesign of professional teacher education programs.

Coordinates evaluation activities in teacher education program approval.

Provides leadership and liaison in the Department and in the field with regard to teacher preparation program development.

Administers all teacher certification functions of the Department of Education relating to the elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth including the negotiation of interstate reciprocity agreements, the evaluation of candidates, and the issuance of certificates in accordance with laws, regulations, and standards.

Directs the evaluation and certification of foreign or preliminary education and qualification of candidates.

Serves as liaison with teacher education and elementary and secondary education, and national, regional, and state accrediting and professional associations.

Coordinates and directs the review and follow up of all Auditor General certification audits of school districts.

Provides consultative services and advice to colleges, universities, administrators, and teachers on matters pertaining to professional certification, scope of certificates, analysis of job descriptions, staffing, and teacher education programs.

Conducts short and long-range demographic studies on teacher supply and demand and makes recommendations to the Secretary and the State Board of Education concerning projected needs or surpluses and changes in direction.

Serves as a consultant and advises the Secretary and State Board of Education on all matters related to certification.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations regarding teacher preparation, credentials evaluation and professional educational certification.

Knowledge of the accreditation practices of institutions of higher education.

Knowledge of the interrelationship and impact of competency-based teacher preparation upon the certification of professional educational staff.

Knowledge of course content and curriculum requirements in basic and higher education.

Knowledge of teaching and administration in elementary and secondary schools.

Knowledge of the concepts associated with teacher preparation, credentials evaluation, and certification as a professional school employee in the Commonwealth.

Knowledge of methods and practices used to evaluate curriculum and programs for higher education institutions to prepare future teachers.

Knowledge of the principles and methods used in the development of evaluative criteria for the review of applications for certification.

Ability to develop and interpret legislation, standards, and legal procedures.

Ability to interpret and develop educational policies.

Ability to interpret occupational information and qualifications to determine the appropriate certificate.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional education experience, including two years in an administrative or supervisory capacity which involved working with curriculum and certification requirements;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of professional education experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity, and involved working with curriculum and certification requirements.