LICENSURE OFFICER AND PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

Bethany College

Lindsborg, Kansas

Bethany College

LICENSURE OFFICER AND PLACEMENT COORDINATOR

FLSA Status:

Non-exempt, 20 hours/week

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

● Chair of the Education Department

● Chief Academic Officer of the College

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: YES 

● Student Workers

Why Bethany:

Bethany College invites applications for dynamic, student-centered professionals to join our vibrant community. Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas—affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting. Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America. At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Position Overview:

This position, under supervision, performs licensure and placement support to the Teacher Education Program. The Licensure Officer and Placement Coordinator supports the program chair in coordinating candidate field experiences and clinical practice placements, conducts all processes related to licensure for teaching with candidates, processes applications to the Teacher Education program, and maintains department information and records. This role serves as the recorder at TEC meetings and the Education Advisory Council, supervises student workers, and provides essential support for accreditation and compliance activities.

Essential Functions:

Qualifications:

Accreditation Duties:

• Assist the Chair of Education Department with maintaining KSDE documentation and data collection for unit accreditation and KSDE program approval for all Teacher Education Programs
• Communicate with national and state representatives as directed by the program chair

Education Department Duties:

• Track department expenses in support of program chair and CAO
• Support the program chair in coordinating professional development events for Education Department and students
• Assist the Department Chair in the creation and submission of adjunct request forms annually
• Assist the Department Chair in the submission of revisions to catalog as needed annually
• Create printing request orders as needed (Handbook, Clinical Practice Guide, Teacher Work Sample Guide, etc.) per budget
• Track and order office and classroom materials as needed per budget
• Create, manage, and update various department Microsoft Teams (calendar, files, communications)
• Provide feedback on processes and procedures to support continuous improvement
• Support the program director as they track, review, and report appropriate student data for admission to Teacher Education Program and Clinical Practice by TEC approval
• Collect and report annual data to TEC and the Education Advisory Committee
• Prepare, edit, and post the Teacher Education Handbook and Assessment Manual each year, and prepare the candidate handbooks for clinical practice
• Complete all necessary paperwork, including Major GPA reports, data collection, Swede Space data compilation, and reporting to TEC
• Maintain ongoing data updates to accreditation compilation and records
• Support the Chief Academic Officer with department-related tasks during the summer months as assigned

Licensure Officer Duties:

• Collect and report TWS Scores and PRAXIS Content test scores to KSDE upon initial licensure requests from graduates and program completers
• Coordinate Emergency Substitute licensing for current students
• Maintain email contacts for ease of communication with graduates and stakeholders
• Attend Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Unit Head / Licensure Officer Meetings in support of the program and provide information from meetings to the program director and faculty
• Attend scheduled virtual or in-person KSDE trainings and information sessions when related to licensure

Placement Coordinator Duties:

• Send out applications for ED200, Teacher Education Program, and Clinical Practice, and coordinate background checks as needed
• Send and track cooperating teacher evaluations (methods classes, clinical practice)
• Request, prepare, and then record clinical practice contracts with USDs at the direction of the program chair and CAO
• Prepare, send, and submit clinical practice honorariums for cooperating teachers to the business office
• Support the program chair in preparing and coordinating clinical practice orientation meetings (2 per semester) and assist with the clinical practice seminar class regarding steps to licensure
• Coordinate early dorm move-in with Residence Life as needed each semester
• Send list of students to the business office for fee assessment per class code
• Supervise student workers
• Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality

Required:

• Bachelor of Arts degree and 1-3 years' experience in a relevant educational setting
• Proficiency in the use of Outlook and Microsoft Office programs
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities
• Service-minded, self-motivated, and possess excellent people skills
• Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community-at-large
• Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
• Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education and Kansas teacher education programs
• Bilingual in Spanish

Working Conditions:

Work is performed on-site at Wallerstedt Learning Center, Lower Level, Bethany College Campus. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition remission benefits
• Professional Development Funds
• Possible Relocation Assistance
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment

How to Apply:

• Apply online at Employment
• Submit resume and cover letter

EEO:

Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.