Education Specialist II, Certification

Classification: Admin/Prof
Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional
Job Grade: 5
Department: Educator Development
Reports To: Director

Job Goal:

Perform the duties of the Certification Officer for the Region 4 Educator Preparation Program, Inspire Texas, and recommend candidates to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for educator certification. Participate in all aspects of reporting to state and federal accrediting agencies. Assist in preparing educators through a state-approved educator certification program supporting Region 4 Education Service Center (ESC) and Inspire Texas’ core purpose and strategic goals.

Qualifications:
Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:

1. Two years of experience with local, state, and/or federal compliance laws
2. Two years of recent experience in data management, analysis, and accountability
3. Two years of experience in a traditional district/charter school setting

Special Knowledge and Skills

1. Exemplary written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by an ability to write reports and procedure manuals
2. Solid understanding of and ability to comply with FERPA rules, standards, regulations, and laws related to student records
3. Skill in intepreting legal statutes and communicating with constituents to solve problems of practice
4. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from Region 4’s leadership, candidates, and other stakeholders 

Major Responsibilities:

1. Manage TEA compliance for all Educator Preparation Programs culminating in Texas educator certification.
2. Provide management and coordination of the certification process for all certification areas in Inspire Texas.
3. Provide management and coordination of Inspire Texas accountability and compliance for internal/state/federal reporting.
4. Ensure the security and oversight of confidential candidate data.
5. In collaboration with the team leads for teacher and advanced certification, coordinate and schedule candidate eligibility for state certification testing and certification (internship, probationary, and standard).
6. Establish routine communication protocols and status updates with field supervisors, education specialists, and candidates to ensure accurate data management and accountability toward certification completion.
7. Complete reporting required by state and federal agencies such as the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the United States Department of Education (USDOE).
8. Develop and maintain accurate entries in internal and state databases, including Accountability System for Educator Certification (ASEP), Educator Certification Online System (ECOS), and Title II.
9. Understand and remain current with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) rule, changes, and new adoptions, and communicates updates to all stakeholders.
10. Serve as the primary professional point of contact and liaison for candidates, school districts, and university partners regarding placement and certification.
11. Assist with program participants’ programmatic issues related to the educator preparation program certification process.
12. Meet semi-annually with advisory committees and other stakeholder groups to ensure governing compliance, participation, and base support.
13. In collaboration with the team leads for teacher and advanced certification, ensure Region 4 ESC’s accreditation status remains in good standing through compliance with state and federal requirements.
14. Lead certification program audits, compliance reviews, and reporting to meet local, state, and federal codes and standards.
15. Attend professional development and training sessions provided by TEA, the Texas Association of Certification Officers, and other related professional organizations (TACO).

Supervision/Personnel Management:

None

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.

Salary : $85,866 - $102,835