Teacher Preparation Specialist

George Mason University • Fairfax, VA

413d

About The Position

The Teacher Preparation Specialist at George Mason University serves as the primary contact for the Office of Teacher Preparation (OTP), providing expert guidance on teacher preparation activities. This role involves supporting students, staff, and faculty with licensure pathways and requirements, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and facilitating student success in educator preparation programs. The Specialist also assists with operational tasks during peak periods, contributing to the overall mission of OTP.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience serving and supporting diverse student populations.
• Experience with or demonstrated knowledge in academic advising and student success coaching.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, time management, and coordination skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication capabilities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a flexible and professional manner.
• Proactive problem solving, attention to detail, and ability to learn new tasks quickly.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Previous experience in K-12 classrooms; previous experience as academic advisor/counselor preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the initial point of contact for prospective and current students interested in GMU state-approved licensure programs and/or seeking additional endorsements.
• Offers comprehensive advising support through face-to-face, virtual meetings, phone, and email communications to guide students in identifying appropriate licensure pathways.
• Maintains and updates materials (handouts, website information, documentation) to support pre-education students and ensure they have access to current information about licensure requirements.
• Collaborates with school division and academic advisors to provide pre-education support and guidance, such as advising Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s students.
• Responds to emails and messages in a timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with CEHD programs and personnel to support teacher preparation efforts.
• Partners with the CEHD’s Office of Admissions and Student and Academic Affairs to address prospective and current student inquiries and concerns.
• Coordinates student support efforts with colleagues across various university offices, including but not limited to the Office of the Provost, Office of the Registrar, College of Science, School of Integrative Studies, College of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as with community college partners.
• Facilitates information sessions in collaboration with academic program coordinators and attends recruiting events in partnership with CEHD’s Office of Admissions.
• Collaborates with the Clinical Practice Coordinator (CPC) and Licensure Coordinator (LC) to provide additional processing support during peak periods.
• Responds to requests for information from the Dean, Associate Deans, Directors, Academic Program Coordinators, school division licensure specialists, and officials from the Virginia Department of Education.
• Undertakes special projects as needed to support the Office of Teacher Preparation's mission and ensure smooth operations.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with education and experience
• Hybrid eligible workplace
• Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees