Clinical Practice Director, Tennessee

Location: Tennessee

Relay Graduate School of Education (Relay) is an accredited not-for-profit institution of higher education serving thousands of educators from across the country, from pre-service teachers to system-level leaders. Our mission is to ensure that all students are taught by excellent educators, in order to build a more just world where every student has a clear path to a fulfilling life.

The Teacher Preparation Instructional Team at Relay Graduate School of Education is dedicated to fostering pedagogical excellence and providing comprehensive student support across all stages of the educational continuum. This division is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs, supporting faculty and students, overseeing all degree, certificate, and licensure-granting academic components, and cultivating partnerships to facilitate student success.  

The Clinical Practice Director of Tennessee (TN) reporting directly to the Dean of Clinical Experience serves as the primary instructional leader for all students enrolled in our Tennessee-based teacher preparation programs. This key faculty leader is instrumental in advancing Relay's mission by establishing and driving a compelling vision for student success and fostering impactful instructional partnerships throughout the state. Beyond the direct oversight of student progress, the Clinical Practice Director plays a crucial cross-functional leadership role.

This includes ensuring meticulous adherence to all relevant state standards and contributing valuable expertise to national initiatives as part of a collaborative team of Clinical Practice Directors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential responsibilities of this position, while not limited to the following, will include:

Partnership & Market Facing Leadership (50%):

* Serve as Relay's primary ambassador across Tennessee, cultivating and sustaining relationships with district, charter, state, and community stakeholders to advance Relay's mission and impact.

* Identify, engage, and develop strategic partnerships that strengthen Relay's presence across the state and support growth and long-term sustainability of Relay programs in Tennessee

* Leverage existing professional networks and build new relationships with influential education leaders, decision-makers, and organizations to expand awareness of Relay programs and opportunities.

* Represent Relay at state, regional, and local convenings, positioning the institution as a trusted thought partner within Tennessee's education ecosystem.

* Share program outcomes and data with internal and external stakeholders to demonstrate impact, strengthen partnerships, and inform continuous improvement efforts.

* Collaborate with finance and development teams to ensure grant structures are streamlined, compliant, and aligned with program goals.

* Execute key local and institutional projects aligned with Relay's strategic plan, as defined by the Vice Provost, Teacher Preparation, and Dean of Clinical Experience.

* Maintain strong communication with school partners to support student success and Educator Preparation Program (EPP) completion, including progress updates, advisory boards, and data sharing

Teaching & Student Support Responsibilities (25%):

* Teach and support graduate-level students, including teaching up to 6 credits per term (maximum 50 students per section), and conducting virtual observations.

* Provide instructional support through regular office hours and collaboration with student support services to address student needs.

* Participate in required in-person instructional or recruitment events.

* Collaborate across teams to support certification and licensure tracking, ensuring students meet state requirements through cross-functional coordination.

* Develop and deliver training and communications regarding EPP policies and requirements for students and clinical partners.

* Maintain strong relationships with school partners and participants through ongoing communication, strategic problem-solving, and responsive support that promotes student success and program completion.

State Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Lead (20%)

* Ensure open line of communication and consistent up-to-date knowledge regarding  state educator preparation program regulators and teacher licensure agencies.

* Serve as the primary liaison to local and state educational agencies to ensure timely and accurate communication on policy updates, compliance expectations, and institutional reporting.

* Audit student progress toward licensure and certification (e.g., coursework, assessments, fieldwork), and partner with internal teams to remove barriers and drive student success.

* Lead training and ongoing communications to ensure faculty and clinical partners understand and meet local/state EPP policies and requirements.

Institutional Service (5%):

* Serve the institution through committee, working group, and/or board membership.

QUALIFICATIONS

First and foremost, the Clinical Practice Director,…