Educator Preparation Specialist (ESC)
Job Description
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 Department's Office of Educator Effectiveness.
About the Office of Educator Effectiveness
The Office of Educator Effectiveness sits within DESE's Teaching and Learning Unit. In 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 preparation. In 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.
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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 DESE's 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 DESE's 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 one's individual and the team's 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 Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;
a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.
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 Employer. Females, 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 don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program