Director of Teacher Preparation and Certification

East Texas A&M University•Commerce, TX

About The Position

The Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for educator preparation program compliance, accreditation, and regulatory reporting processes for the university. This position is responsible for ensuring the institution maintains acceptable accreditation ratings for all educator certification programs through the effective management of reporting systems, regulatory compliance, and program accountability aligned with the requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and applicable state regulations. The Director leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and data governance practices that support accurate reporting and continuous program improvement. This role supervises departmental staff and collaborates extensively with academic departments, faculty program coordinators, college leadership, and external partners to ensure educator preparation programs remain compliant with evolving state requirements. The Director serves as the university’s primary institutional liaison with TEA regarding program approval, accreditation reporting, and regulatory compliance, while also providing guidance and training to faculty and administrators on certification requirements, reporting procedures, and program documentation. The position oversees the Continuing Approval Review (CAR) process and monitors Texas Administrative Code changes impacting educator preparation programs. Additional responsibilities include managing departmental resources, advising college leadership on regulatory and programmatic initiatives, and leading strategic projects that support the mission and growth of the college’s educator preparation programs. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Education/Educational Administration, or related field.
5 years of related experience in Elementary and Secondary teaching.
Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects with varying deadlines
Ability to provide technical assistance, including the creation of training documents, resources, and presentations to disseminate state level requirements
Strong data analysis and data-driven decision-making skills
Data visualization skills
Excellent communication skills, both orally and written and excellent interpersonal skills essential.
Strong understanding of office suite applications, including using functions/formulas in Excel spreadsheets.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code in relation to educator preparation preferred
Knowledge of ECOS, ASEP, or other information related to educator preparation program data preferred
Texas Teacher Certification and Administrator Certification Preferred
Demonstrated progressively responsible professional experience, including supervision of staff and leadership of complex projects or programs.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of regulatory reporting and compliance activities required for all educator preparation programs, ensuring alignment with Texas Education Agency standards and maintaining acceptable accreditation ratings.
Direct the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of institutional policies, procedures, and documentation practices that support accurate data reporting, program accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Monitor and interpret updates to Texas Administrative Code and other regulatory requirements, advising college leadership and academic departments on necessary programmatic adjustments and implementation strategies.
Serve as the primary liaison between the university, the Texas Education Agency, and internal stakeholders regarding certification program approval, reporting requirements, and accreditation processes.
Collaborate with academic departments, faculty program coordinators, and college leadership to ensure consistent implementation of certification program policies and documentation standards.
Facilitate communication across colleges, departments, school district partners, community colleges, and global education partners to support program initiatives and regulatory requirements.
Lead and support the development of new educator certification program areas, alternative routes to certification, and strategic initiatives that expand and strengthen the college’s educator preparation portfolio.
Provide leadership and guidance in the preparation and submission of official documentation to TEA, including program approval applications, grant participation requests, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and regulatory amendments.
Identify emerging opportunities, regulatory changes, and program innovations that support the strategic goals and mission of the college.
Direct and coordinate the university’s Continuing Approval Review (CAR) process and other accreditation-related reporting activities with the Texas Education Agency.
Oversee the preparation of institutional reports, program documentation, and compliance submissions required for state and accreditation reviews.
Oversee the integrity, accuracy, and timely submission of educator preparation program data within the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) and university information systems.
Establish reporting protocols and provide guidance to faculty and program coordinators to ensure proper documentation of program milestones, clinical experiences, and certification requirements.
Analyze and communicate program data and progress to college leadership to support data-informed decision making and continuous program improvement.
Work closely with the Data Manager in the College of Education and Human Services to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of all data used for reporting purposes.
Supervise and develop departmental staff responsible for certification program reporting and compliance operations.
Manage departmental resources and budget in support of program compliance, reporting activities, and strategic initiatives.
Prepare and present reports, briefings, and updates to college leadership and institutional stakeholders regarding program performance, compliance status, and strategic initiatives.

Benefits

Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.
ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.
Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.
Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.
Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.