Educator Preparation Provider (epp) Support Specialist

ABOUT BRANCHED

BranchED is the first and only non-profit organization in the nation that is dedicated to strengthening and growing educator preparation at MSIs, with the larger goals of both diversifying the teaching profession and intentionally addressing critical issues of educational equity for all students. BranchED is an organization that values authenticity, relationships, well-being, learning, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to racial equity and inclusion.

JOB SUMMARY - virtual position
The Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) Support Specialist plays a critical role in advancing BranchED’s mission to strengthen the teacher pipeline and address the evolving needs of PK–12 students. Working in close collaboration with local education ecosystems—which include Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs), school districts, and other key community partners—the Educator Preparation Provider (EPP)Support Specialist supports the development and implementation of innovative, equity-centered pathways into the teaching profession. This includes initiatives such as teacher residencies, apprenticeships, and Grow Your Own programs that expand access to and diversity within the educator workforce. In addition, the position focuses on technical assistance and support to EPPS and District Partners on program improvement and pathways to teach through professional development coaching partnerships.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Planning and Development

• Building relationships with EPP leadership and faculty, district partners, and other education ecosystem stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration and sharing of promising practices between/among EPPs, districts, and other education ecosystem stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of scopes of work for special projects and other engagements.

Design

• Design virtual and in-person professional development to build and strengthen EPP and district capacity in developing and implementing pathways into teaching.
• Develop tools and resources that provide templates, practical examples, and guidance to aid in development and continuous improvement efforts in designing and implementing pathways into teaching.
• Design agendas for professional development sessions and coaching calls.

Implementation

• Work within education ecosystems (i.e. school districts, EPPs, junior colleges, state departments, other education partners) to help build differentiated pathways to the teaching profession such as teacher residencies, registered teacher apprenticeships, and other grow your own initiatives
• Working one-on-one with EPPs, district partners, and other ecosystem stakeholders to help them prioritize and sequence the work needed to design and implement differentiated pathways to the teaching profession.
• Conduct site visits to assess the readiness and capacity of EPPs and district partners to build different pathways to the teaching profession.
• Supporting partnerships in assessing their progress, in collecting artifacts that demonstrate their work, and in utilizing data to empower their continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and support to EPPs for program improvement.
• Provide clear, concise, and informative analyses and insights to BranchED leadership and contribute to reports for external communication.
• Contribute to identifying process gaps and inefficiencies that impede organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure appropriate and timely documentation, reporting, and escalation.

Other

• Contributes to a high-performing and mission-driven team necessary to achieve organizational strategic priorities.
• Helps cultivate an intentional organizational culture representing organizational values.
• Researches and stays abreast of national/state landscape issues and developments that impact BranchED (education, accreditation, nonprofit organizations, etc.).
• Adapts to changing business needs and priorities as required.
• Performs other duties as required.
• A terminal degree in education or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience teaching in higher education or in PK-12 district leadership.
• Experience working in or with MSIs, or a demonstration of extensive knowledge of MSI environments or a desire to learn about and support MSIs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

? Committed to working collaboratively to reshape and improve educator preparation and development.

? Ability to anticipate needs and identify future opportunities.

? Creative problem-solver with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges.

? Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and willingness to “roll up sleeves” to get things done.

? Skilled at building authentic, trusting relationships.

? Brings a positive attitude, high degree of flexibility, curiosity to learn, creativity, dedication, resourcefulness, and energy.

? Self-directed and capable of meeting quick turnarounds and tight deadlines independently.

? Ability to travel up to 20% annually.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 15 lbs. Requires the ability to periodically travel locally, regionally, and nationally.