Job Summary:
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 Departmemnt 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
About Us:
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a regional comprehensive university known for its strong focus on teaching excellence, student success, and community engagement. UNK offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that combine rigorous academics with hands-on learning, preparing students to lead and serve in changing world. UNK's Department of Teacher Education is grounded in a tradition of high-quality educator preparation that blends rigorous academic study, clinical practice, and partnerships with PK–12 schools across Nebraska and beyond. Our programs emphasize inclusive practices, evidence-based instruction, and continuous improvement to ensure graduates are well prepared to serve all students and positively impact their communities.
The Transitional Certification Program is housed in the graduate college and part of the Department of Teacher Education's graduate programs. This program provides a pathway for graduate students, career-changers, and non-teaching degree holders to pursue an initial teaching license to teach in schools throughout Nebraska. In addition to TCP, the Department of Teacher Education offers master's degrees in curriculum and instruction, reading, learning design and technology, and special education.