Educator Preparation Specialist (ESC)

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System Requirements

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves where collaboration innovation and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children youth and families thrive socially academically and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks an Educator Preparation Specialist to join the Departments Office of Educator Effectiveness.

About the Office of Educator Effectiveness

The Office of Educator Effectiveness sits within DESEs Teaching and Learning the Office of Educator Effectiveness we work to create the conditions that support the recruitment preparation development and retention of a diverse and effective educator workforce so that all of our students thrive through access to diverse and effective educators defined as educators who nurture and cultivate academic achievement cultural and linguistic competence sociopolitical awareness and emotional intelligence.

About the Role

The Educator Preparation Specialist will be part of a team responsible for overseeing the effective equitable efficient and consistent review of educator preparation providers in Massachusetts. Supporting increasingly equitable and effective educator preparation in Massachusetts is a key strategy in our commitment to cultivate a diverse and effective workforce.

In 2023 DESE released updated Guidelines for Educator Preparation Program Approval that center evidence-based practices including culturally and linguistically sustaining practices as the foundation of effective educator 2024 equitable and inclusive practices were embedded throughout the Standards of Effective Practice for all teachers and leaders and now serve as the pedagogical knowledge and skills required of all aspiring teachers as they complete preparation programs in Massachusetts. Together these frameworks reflect a critically important shift in focus for all educators in Massachusetts towards the evidence-based culturally and linguistically sustaining practices necessary to support all students to attain academic knowledge and skills understand and value themselves and others and engage with the world.

The Educator Preparation Specialist will help to advance and deepen this work particularly through partnerships with and oversight of educator preparation providers such that all aspiring educators are prepared to serve all students in Massachusetts particularly those from systemically underserved groups and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitating a multi-faceted review process for a caseload of educator preparation providers which results in high-stakes accountability recommendations. This involves:

o Training and managing diverse teams of volunteer reviewers (including teachers district personnel and ed prep faculty and leadership);

o Providing technical assistance and ongoing communication to educator preparation programs throughout the four stages of the formal review process;

o Managing the collection of evidence throughout the review process including coordinating focus groups and interviews;

o Analyzing and evaluating quantitative and qualitative data related to review criteria to assess program quality (including but not limited to focus group survey and other output data);

o Producing evidence-based evaluation reports that have been calibrated externally vetted internally and that uphold DESEs rigorous expectations for providers.

Managing informal program review submissions in high-need licensure areas (e.g. special education secondary STEM) to review and approve licensure programs outside of the formal review cycle;

Providing ongoing support and assistance to the Educator Preparation field in alignment with DESE policy and regulations;

Supporting broader educator pipeline projects and related licensure programs;

Serving as a member of DESEs Teaching and Learning Unit and performing other functions as assigned.

Desired Knowledge Skills and Experience:

Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and as such encourage applications from individuals with a range of background experiences and skills.

Superior project management skills. A successful candidate will be able to manage multiple shifting priorities in a high-demand fast-paced environment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills including ability to tailor communication to a variety of audiences.

Strong ability to comprehend analyze and communicate complex information.

Track record of consistently delivering on commitments.

Experience working with educator preparation organizations.

Desired Mindsets and Attributes:

People who are successful working on our team demonstrate a mindset aligned with the following:

Commitment to equity in education
A strong desire to work with educator preparation faculty and leadership and PK12 teachers and leaders to help all our children receive an excellent education.
Unwavering belief in the ability of all children to learn at high levels.
A demonstrated history of bringing anti-racist practices to your work.
Collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Proactive initiative taker who identifies and takes action to improve ones individual and the teams collective work.

Location: This is a hybrid full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett MA. This position is currently expected to work in-person two days per week increasing to three assigned days per week in-person beginning August 31 2026. Regular travel to events meetings and school visits around Massachusetts will also be required.

Please include a cover letter with your resume.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you your loved ones and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action minorities veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race religion color sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation age disability national origin veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women Black Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they dont meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.