What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coordinator of Certification Programs position at The University of Texas at Arlington?
Job Summary
The Coordinator provides dedicated support to the College of Education ( COED ) Alternative Certification Programs and performs a critical role in educator preparation by ensuring program compliance with Texas Education Agency ( TEA ) certification requirements and promoting the academic success of all certification candidates. This position is responsible for managing certification-related documentation, supporting candidate admissions, monitoring progress toward certification and contributing to strong internal and external partnerships that promote high-quality educator preparation. This role also supports continuous improvement efforts, contributes to the effectiveness and compliance of all certification pathways in collaboration with key COED leaders, faculty, and staff, and provides targeted expertise for alternative certification programs.
Minimum Qualifications
The Coordinator provides dedicated support to the College of Education ( COED ) Alternative Certification Programs and performs a critical role in educator preparation by ensuring program compliance with Texas Education Agency ( TEA ) certification requirements and promoting the academic success of all certification candidates. This position is responsible for managing certification-related documentation, supporting candidate admissions, monitoring progress toward certification and contributing to strong internal and external partnerships that promote high-quality educator preparation. This role also supports continuous improvement efforts, contributes to the effectiveness and compliance of all certification pathways in collaboration with key COED leaders, faculty, and staff, and provides targeted expertise for alternative certification programs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field and At least three (3) years of related experience or an equivalent mix of education and relevant experience in similar role.
- Master’s degree in Education or related field.
- Familiarity and experience with TEA certification rules, Texas Administrative Code, and educator preparation standards.
- Experience working with alternative certification programs and non-traditional teacher candidates.
- Knowledge and experience working with certification testing systems (e.g., Pearson, TExES).
- Provide specialized support for the administration and coordination of the Alternative Certification Program ( ACP ), including direct oversight of candidate admissions, advising, documentation, and program completion.
- Ensure that alternative certification documents align with TEA regulations and institutional policies, and that all required forms, benchmarks, and testing approvals are submitted accurately and on time.
- Collaborate with the Office of Student Services, Advisors, and relevant college units to complete, verify, and submit TEA documentation for alternative certification candidates.
- Ensure compliance with the Texas Administrative Code and TEA policies related to certification eligibility, documentation, and timelines.
- Monitor candidate progress through program benchmarks, including testing (e.g., TExES exams), field experiences, coursework, and completion of certification requirements.
- Maintain secure and accurate student records related to certification, admissions, testing, and program completion.
- Assist with state and federal reports related to candidate certification, admission, and program performance.
- Collaborate with program faculty, school district partners, and external stakeholders to ensure candidate success and program effectiveness.
- Serve as a point of contact for students, faculty, cooperating teachers, and field supervisors regarding certification processes, deadlines, and requirements.
- Ensure accurate and timely collection, verification, and uploading of certification-related documents, including exam approvals, program completion records, and application materials.
- Respond to student inquiries with professionalism and accuracy through multiple channels (email, phone, in-person).
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners, including UTA departments and colleges, school districts, and other relevant parties.
- Support partnerships focused on certification, recruitment, and candidate success.
- Attend TEA webinars, trainings, and updates to remain current on evolving policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.