What are the responsibilities and job description for the Placement Coordinator (1000377) position at Wheaton College?
Department of Education Placement Coordinator
Job Overview
The Placement Coordinator is a 30-hour per week role within the Department of Education that is responsible for overseeing field education experiences (i.e., Teacher Aiding, Methods, Student Teaching). This includes managing school and district relationships, recruiting and hiring supervisors, organizing placements, training and supporting stakeholders, and facilitating evaluations to ensure the successful execution of practicum and student teaching experiences. This position will pay in the low to mid $40,000s.
Key Responsibilities
Placement Coordination
- Secure field placements (i.e., Teacher Aiding, Methods, Student Teaching) by building and maintaining relationships with public and private schools.
- Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure timely completion of pre-placement requirements, including background checks, district applications, fingerprinting.
- Confirm placements and ensure all stakeholders are informed and prepared. This typically includes schools, Cooperating Teachers (CT), College Supervisors (CS), and Students.
- Conduct practicum and student teaching orientations and trainings (3 per semester, 6–7 annually) for Methods and Student Teaching practicums, end-of-practicum debriefs, and student teacher transition sessions for Methods Practicum to help prepare for Student Teaching
- Organize and deliver in-person and virtual training and refresher sessions, for new and returning CS and CT.
- Regularly check in with CS, CT, and Students to monitor progress, conduct evaluations, and gather documentation during practicums and student teaching.
- Act as a liaison between CS and the Department to address evaluation feedback and resolve placement-related issues.
- Coordinate with Office Coordinator to collect, review, and file required documents for Students, CT, and CS including completed evaluations, observation reports, clock hour forms, and letters of recommendation.
- Coordinate with office staff to distribute CT honorariums at the end of each semester.
- Facilitate issuance of professional development credit to CT using the ISBE PD system.
- During the summer months, gather feedback from CT and CS, prepare and distribute reminders and materials for fall orientations, placements, and training sessions, and confirm fall placements.
- Collaborate with department members in program redesign toward more integrated placement pathways for teachers of diverse learners.
- Maintain accurate records of policies, placements, evaluations, and documents in collaboration with office staff.
- Develop and implement strategies for recruiting qualified CS for field education placements in alignment with program needs and standards of excellence.
- Collaborate with department members to conduct interviews and hire new supervisors.
- Collaborate with Office Coordinator to ensure job requisition is active each academic year and CS complete hiring protocols prior to beginning supervision.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
- Teaching experience in K-12 schools.
- Familiarity with teacher preparation programs.
- Supervision, leadership, or coordination experience.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Self-starter with the ability to prioritize responsibilities to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated flexibility in navigating time sensitive tasks.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Three professional references.
- Master’s Degree
- Current teaching license
- Experience managing partnerships with schools or districts.
- Proficiency in digital tools (e.g., Canvas or other LMS platforms) for organization and communication.
- Knowledge of professional development frameworks for educators.
Working Conditions
This role requires both on-campus and remote work, as well as travel to partner schools and districts. A cell phone and reliable transportation are essential.
FLSA Status – exempt
Updated (February 2025)
Salary : $40,000
