Position Overview

The Institute of Child Development, housed in the College of Education and Human Development, seeks an Early Childhood Licensure Specialist to facilitate teacher licensure processes for the Early Childhood degree program. The Early Childhood Licensure Specialist will ensure compliance with state of Minnesota rules for teacher licensure and serve as the licensure lead. This position will liaison between the university, school districts, the College's Office of Teacher Education, and the Institute of Child Development. An essential responsibility of this position is to mentor teacher candidates according to a year long student teaching placement and facilitate the associated seminar and capstone courses. The Early Childhood Licensure Specialist will serve as the academic advisor for students in the M.Ed. licensure program and coordinate the alignment of early childhood graduate and undergraduate level course content with the Minnesota Professional Educators Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). Effective collaboration with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Early Education is imperative.

A key responsibility of this position is to actively support and advance the University's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This position will support the Institute of Child Development's commitment to anti-racism.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

This position reports to the Student Services Director in the Institute of Child Development, is a 100% position, and holds a 10-month appointment (mid-August to mid-June). This position requires travel to off-site locations, such as public schools within the Twin Cities. The employee is required to provide own transportation and will be reimbursed for mileage.

Job Responsibilities

Early Childhood Program Licensure Oversight (20%)

• Facilitate teacher licensure processes according to University and state policies and procedures
• Serve as the Licensure Program Lead and represent ICD in the Office of Teacher Education LPL Work Group, and perform duties related to that role
• Serve as the academic advisor for licensure students in the M.Ed programs in Early Childhood, including developing course plans for students and coordinating student teaching and field experience placements
• Coordinate the alignment of early childhood graduate and undergraduate level course content with the Minnesota Professional Educators Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)
• Oversee early childhood education program review according to PELSB processes (Program Effectiveness Reports for Continuing Approval)
• Provide consultation with staff hiring and development of instructors, as needed, to the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Student Services Director

University Supervisor for teacher candidates (50%)

• Serve as the University Supervisor for the field work and student teaching courses for the Early Childhood Education Licensure program, following the Office of Teacher Education (OTE) requirements
• Serve as University Supervisor for the primary teaching candidates in their year-long student teaching placement, following OTE requirements
• Collaborate with OTE to facilitate placements of teacher candidates in public schools
• Collaborate with Elementary Education program leadership to coordinate joint orientations, trainings, and related activities for licensure students

Instructor of seminars and capstone courses (20%)

• Serve as the instructor of record for the field work and student teaching courses for the Early Childhood Education Licensure program
• Instruct graduate and undergraduate courses, including both M.Ed. completion capstone courses
• Instruct the primary student teaching seminars
• Develop syllabi for courses, aligning course goals with state teaching standards, as required: CPSY 5171, CPSY 5991, CPSY 5181 and CPSY 5187
• Serve as the instructor of record for the Early Care and Education capstone course, as needed, supervise students enrolled in the course, and work with Child Development Laboratory School staff (or other appropriate persons) on facilitating those experiences

Service Responsibilities (10%)

• Represent the Early Childhood Programs on committees, task forces, and work groups within the University, College, and Institute of Child Development
• Serve on the Admissions Committee for the M.Ed Early Childhood Programs
• Serve on the Scholarship Review Committee for the Early Childhood Programs
• Participate in Institute affairs and facilitation of a working relationship with the Institute and other departments, colleges, and centers within the University: Center for Early Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, the Child Development Laboratory School
• Represent the Early Childhood Program at MnAEYC, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators, and community schools and other agencies, as appropriate
• Serve as a recognized early childhood expert and trainer in the community at large: MnAEYC, Think Small (Resources for Child Caring)
• Prepare and disseminate information and represent the early childhood education program at the local, state, and national levels
• Provide consultation on departmental research as appropriate

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in early childhood education
• At least 4 years of prior teaching experience as the teacher of record in early childhood classrooms
• Minnesota teaching license in early childhood education
• Experience managing and prioritizing multiple tasks, meeting project deadlines, and working both independently and as part of a team
• Evidence of effective communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent student service
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Ability to provide frequent personal transportation to off-site locations, such as public schools within the Twin Cities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ed.D. in early childhood education
• 2 years of prior experience working with students in a higher education setting
• 2 years experience mentoring, advising, or coaching early childhood professionals
• Ability to work independently and make decisions that support the mission of the department
• Technological competence related to student services

Department Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. ICD, which is recognized
internationally, offers degrees in developmental psychology and early childhood education, including the long-standing top-ranked PhD in developmental psychology. Housed in ICD, the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) provides the highest quality early care and is a training site for university students majoring in early childhood education. Another critical component of ICD is the Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) which conducts applied research, professional development and policy education and community outreach to effect positive change in early education, childcare, and public policy. The Institute strives to create an inclusive environment where every student, staff member, and faculty member feels valued and has meaningful experiences that affirm and embrace their identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).