Job Summary:
The Transitional Certification Program (TCP) offers innovative pathways into teaching in K-12 classrooms, including in secondary content areas, elementary education, middle level education, and K-12 art, music, and health and physical education. The director of this program is a collaborative, 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 team member in the Department of Teacher Education, the TCP Director may teach preservice teacher coursework and may supervise teacher candidates in school settings.
The TCP Director provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for a graduate-level teacher preparation program leading to initial certification. 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 student recruitment, advising, and retention; curriculum leadership; partnership development with PK–12 schools; accreditation and compliance management; 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 to various stakeholders.
The ideal candidate holds at least a master's degree 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:
- Master's degree in Education or related field
- Three years of experience working in higher education or PK-12 school setting
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and data analysis skills
- Collaborative leadership skills
- Student-centered advocacy
- Experience with marketing and communication strategy
- Ability to develop and carry out a vision that drives enrollment growth and enhances the positive reputation of the Transitional Certification Program
Preferred Qualifications:
- Terminal degree in Education or related field
- Five years of experience in education or higher education
- PK-12 teaching and/or leadership experience
- Experience managing degree or certification programs
- Experience advising students
- Experience with data analysis and approaches to continuous improvement
- Active teaching license and/or educational administartion experience (principal/superintendent)
Additional Information:
Please include a current vita/resume, letter of application, and contact information for three professional references. Questions about the position can be directed to Jesslyn Hollar at hollarj2@unk.edu.
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 Department of Teacher Education. This program provides a pathway for post-baccalaureate students, 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.