Education Program Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION:

TITLE: Education Program Specialist and Certification Officer

DEPT: College of Education

REPORTS TO: Chair, Teacher Preparation Program and Chair, Educational Administration

FLSA: Non-Exempt

SALARY: $48,700 - $54,500

Position Summary:

The Certification Officer is responsible for staying with Washington State regulations for all certification programs offered at the College of Education. Currently, the College is authorized to issue certificates for teachers and school administrators. The Certification Officer acquires relevant documentation and maintains accurate recordkeeping to verify compliance with state regulations. The Certification Officer is responsible for the organization, coordination, and tracking of student data as it relates to the certification of teachers and school administrators. This is an in-person position located on the main campus in Toppenish, WA.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent Heritage University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interact effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders; learn and use operating practices of the Administrator and Teacher Preparation Program and Heritage University.
• Uphold the Heritage University Mission Statement.
• Handle confidential information with tact, discretion, and in compliance with FERPA regulations.
• Communicate effectively with admissions, registrar, and advising center personnel to ensure successful transition of new students to programs, and work with program Chairs to assign faculty advisors.
• Serve as a liaison with program specialists on the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and work with advisors, department chairs and offices on campus regarding PESB certification policies and procedures. Report on all changes of State WAC's and RCWs to the appropriate chair.
• Coordinate certification activities for all sites and prepare recommendations to the appropriate chair and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for undergraduate and graduate certification programs.
• Enter Administrator Certification, Teacher Certification and endorsements earned in J1, verify degree conferral date and program completion date, and ensure correct program and advisor are listed. Update certification entries when program is complete.
• Maintain all files relative to the credentialing of teacher candidates pursuant to the criteria established by the College and the Professional Educator Standards Board. This includes the verification of appropriate degree and course of study leading to the issuance of certification.
• Participate in candidates' application process for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. Attend and present information to all candidates regarding entrance to program requirements, endorsement opportunities, state certification requirements, WEST-B, WEST-E requirements, and NES as well as the case-by-case exception process. Direct students to create an