Director fo Transitional Certification Program, Teacher Education

As a vital part of the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), the Transitional Certification Program (TCP) offers innovating pathways into teaching in K-12 classrooms, including in secondary content areas and in K-12 art, music, and health and physical education. We are looking for our next director of this program, who will serve as a collaborative and mission-centered leader who understands and implements innovative teacher preparation to support and respond to K-12 partners' needs, ensuring that the program prepares the well-trained and high quality educators our schools and students deserve. As a member of the faculty in the Department of Teacher Education, the TCP Director also teaches courses and may supervise teacher candidates in school settings.
 
The Director for the Transitional Certification Program (TCP) provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for a graduate-level teacher preparation program leading to initial licensure. The Director oversees program design, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement to ensure alignment with institutional mission, accreditation standards, licensure requirements, and best practices in educator preparation.
 
Key responsibilities include curriculum leadership; faculty supervision and development; accreditation and compliance management; student recruitment, advising, and retention; partnership development with PK–12 schools; and assessment of candidate and program outcomes. The Director collaborates with faculty, staff, and institutional leadership to advance program quality and innovation, and represents the program internally and externally with accrediting bodies, the Nebraska Department of Education, K-12 school districts, content area faculty and departmental units, and community partners.
 
The ideal candidate holds an earned doctorate in education or a related field, has significant experience in teacher education and program administration, and demonstrates knowledge of accreditation and licensure requirements, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive, student-centered practices. Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.
 
Required Qualifications:
This position requires a graduate degree in education or a related field. 
Must hold or be eligible to hold a Nebraska Teaching License.
 
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred qualifications include a terminal degree (Ed.D. or PhD) in education or a related field
Two or more years teaching experience in K-12 school environments
Demonstrated experience developing curriculum
Demonstrated experience in teacher supervision, teacher learning, or coaching
At least two years of experience in administration (higher education or K-12)
Experience leading or teaching in accelerated or alternative pathways into the teaching profession
 
HOW TO APPLY:   To be considered for the position, application materials can be submitted at UNK Employment Opportunities before February 22, 2026. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Jesslyn Hollar at hollarj2@unk.edu Upon a contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate.  Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive.  The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care.  The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees.  Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.
 
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