Licensure Specialist

Position Overview

The College of Education Licensure Specialist has authority to verify that students have met requirements for a Montana Educator License as well as review requests related to licenses in other states. This involves reviewing an applicant’s plan-of-study and transcript to assure degree completion; calculating an individual’s score on the Montana Educator Three Part Assessment- GPA, Student Teaching Evaluation, PRAXIS II exam results;

and replying to queries regarding Class 5 Provisional License and OPI Teaching Internships in one or more of the 21 Montana Educator License Endorsement areas offered  Licensure Specialist reviews criminal background reports to assure students are eligible to participate in field experiences from first year through graduate school. This role also includes participating in the Educator Preparation Committee for appeals and writing and submitting state and federal reports.

• Assist faculty with Class 8 Licensure, qualifying for teaching dual enrollment.
• Audit and review transcripts and plans of study for program completion and make institutional recommendations for licensure and endorsements.
• Process Educator Preparation Program (EPP) applications.
• Collaborate with the Field Experience Specialist in conducting student teaching seminars.
• Attend and relay information from state OPI, national NASDTEC meetings and the Montana Council of the Deans’ Meetings.
• Provide notary services for faculty, students, and staff.
• Coordinate with the Registrar to release upper division course registration in Banner.
• Review Criminal Background Reports (including fingerprinting) in consultation with the Dean regarding any reports showing infractions.
• Provide teacher candidates with information about licensure requirements and application processes in the following areas:
  Class 5 provisional license, OPI Internship, adding a teaching endorsement, out-of-state inquiries, licensure renewal.
• Reinstatement of expired license.
• Regularly meet with students regarding Criminal Background Report and licensure issues.
• Ensure that anyone with access to C  information is properly trained.
• Stay up to date on the policies and guidelines for the EPP.
• Participate in the COE Educator Preparation Program Committee for Appeals.
• Serve as a member of the state PRAXIS committee.
• Liaison between OPI and MSUB Educator Preparation Program and responsible for following state mandates.
• Manage Praxis score results and data reports for education students and MSUB education programs.
• Provide information to students regarding tests required for program completion and their relationship to licensure.
• Serve on accreditation committees.
• Complete the annual federal HEA Title II Educator Preparation Program report submitted to the US Department of Education and Montana Office of Public Instruction yearly.
• Assist with data storage, retrieval, reporting, analyses, and results for CAEP and state accreditation.
• Serve as the point of contact for all correspondence with the MT Department of Justice.

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• Ability to interpret state licensure rules and standards.
• Ability to maintain the storage of confidential information.
• Ability to work with students regarding eligibility for field work.
• Ability to effectively communicate and problem solve with students, faculty, and staff.
• Skills using computers and technology for data storage and analysis systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Positive experience working with adults, P-16 students, faculty, and administration.
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience in communicating verbally, technologically, and in the written word.
• Experience using appropriate computer programs (specifically Excel, Word, Outlook, and other MSUB systems).

• Professional experience in a Pre‑K elementary or secondary school setting.
• Three years of teaching experience in the P‑12 system.
• Experience working with college students and licensed teachers.
• In‑depth knowledge of COE / CLASS / CHPS program requirements.
• Certified notary public.

Montana State University…