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Director of Certification

Education Program Manager II

Recruitment #23-005059-0003

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Introduction



The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

Salary Grade 24

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building 
200 W. Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

POSITION DUTIES

The Director of Certification is responsible for enforcing the statutory and regulatory requirements related to the issuance of certificates and the suspension and revocation processes associated with individuals who commit offenses that preclude one from holding a certification. The Director provides oversight of The Education Application and Certification Hub, which maintains the records for all Maryland certification applicants and certificate holders and is the mechanism for collecting an application and issuing a certificate in Maryland. Working closely with the office Program Approval and the Department of Labor, the Director of Certification will review district-led “Grow your Own” teacher preparation and apprenticeship programs to ensure programs are developed to align with State certification requirements, identify unnecessary barriers, and provide support during the application and monitoring process.

The Office of Certification is responsible for the processing of educator certification applications, including the maintenance of over 350,000 existing records identified in the State educator certification database and an average of 220 new applications per week. In addition, the Office of Certification provides ongoing support to over 90 certification partners located throughout the 24 Maryland local education agencies (LEAs), continuous training to LEA employees who process applications for certifications at the local level, and extensive assistance to other State agencies, nonpublic schools, and the general public. 

The Director of Certification will oversee the National Board Certification program, including the supervision of the State National Board Coordinator who is responsible for implementing the program established in Md. Code, §6-1008, designed to encourage and support teachers in obtaining and maintaining National Board Certification. 

Position Responsibilities: 
  • Directs and manages the interpretation and implementation of laws, regulations, and policies and procedures governing educator certification 
  • Participates as a member of the Professional Standards and Teacher Education and State Board of Education 
  • Develops new, and revises existing regulations as required for the Professional Standards and Teacher Education and State Board of Education 
  • Develops presentations for the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board and State Board of Education 
  • Responds to legislative requests for information and provides feedback in response to proposed General Assembly bills with potential impact on educator certification 
  • Manages and supervises staff assigned to the Certification office 
  • Provides training for staff in the Division of Educator Certification and Program Approval and for local education agency certification partners 
  • Assists Human Resources in the recruitment and hiring of new staff 
  • Develops and monitors the workflows and content in The Educator Application and Certification Hub 
  • Coordinates the data exchange with other State agencies and national organizations required to implement the certification application system 
  • Oversees the process of taking disciplinary action against an individual’s certification 
  • Provides oversight for the National Board Certification program 
  • Manages the website content related to educator preparation and certification

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related area from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five years of experience in coordinating, supervising, or administering education programs or services related to interpreting and implementing laws, regulations, and policies. This experience must include one year of supervising professional education program staff. 

Notes: 
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in education or a related area for two years of the required experience directly related to the position. 
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience. 
3. The required field of education and experience is unique for each position and is established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services. 
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education, one year of which must have been in an administrative supervisory or consultative capacity.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

  • Knowledge of trends, regulations, policies, and issues affecting educator preparation and/or certification
  • Experience in leading internal and external interdisciplinary work teams in developing educational goals and standards
  • Ability to effectively manage and supervise staff
  • Experience in drafting executive and/or legislative correspondences
  • Knowledge of processes related to taking disciplinary action against an educator certificate
  • Experience managing grant programs
  • Knowledge of the process of achieving a National Board Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are subject to a criminal background investigation in accordance with the federal Family Law Article, Section 5.5.

SELECTION PROCESS

APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD A RESUME WITH THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION. Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment, as well as upload a Resume. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application or mailed to the address listed. 

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. 

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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