Associate Instructional Specialist; Pool Position

Position: Associate Instructional Specialist (Pool Position)
Working Title Associate Instructional Specialist Position Type Staff/Administrative Division/College School of Education, Professional and Continuing Education Description of College/Department/Program/Division/Unit

The School of Education, Professional, and Continuing Education (EPC) has a comprehensive and complex structure, where 23 programs across all colleges and schools at the university work collaboratively to support teacher preparation. The Department of Education Studies prepares the largest number of teachers at the university. Additionally, the EPC is comprised of the Institute for Professional Studies in Education and Continuing Education and Extension.

UW-L began as a normal school and has been preparing teachers ever since. The commitment both on and off campus supports an investment in strong education programs that lead, collaborate, and innovate to meet 21st century learning environments. You will be joining an outstanding group of faculty and staff, as well as a campus that is one of the best in Wisconsin.

Position Summary

The University Supervisor (US) of teacher candidates is the lead member of the student teaching triad. The US is an official representative of the university and serves as a liaison between the School of Education and the personnel of cooperating schools and agencies. S/he is responsible for the direct supervision of the teacher candidate. S/he also facilitates the growth and development of the teacher candidate by providing guidance in becoming a thoughtful learner, leader, inquirer, and community member.

Essential Job Functions:

● Conduct four or more observation visits per semester for each assigned teacher candidate.

● Schedule observations and three-way conferences in advance, as well as provide brief "drop-in" observations.

● Provide weekly support and constructive feedback to teacher candidate (email, phone, in-person, etc.).

● Serve as an intermediary, eliminating misunderstandings and resolving conflicts between cooperating teacher / teacher candidate.

● Consult with the cooperating teacher regularly regarding the teacher candidate's performance.

● Guide the teacher candidate in his/her development of technical management competencies and reflective teaching.

● Offer support in practical and theoretical work by considering short and long-term professional needs.

● Be approachable and readily available to the teacher candidate and cooperating teachers for discussion of teacher candidate's teaching experience.

● Monitor and facilitate the growth and development of the teacher candidate.

● Communicate regularly with the Office of Field Experience regarding progress and needs of teacher candidates.

Additional

Duties & Responsibilities:

● Attend semi-annual student teacher / intern and supervisor orientations.

● Participate in all university supervisor activities including training, supervisor meetings, and designated School of Education meetings, at the discretion of the Dean.

● Provide support for student teaching application days.

● Share teaching expertise and insight with teacher candidates to assist teacher candidate's professional growth.

● Document plan of action/interventions used to assist teacher candidates in gaining skills, in collaboration with field experience coordinator.

● Complete and submit evaluation forms and other documents using Taskstream or other designated technology.

● Complete online student and program evaluation surveys as requested.

● Respect and comply with expectations of the partner school(s).

● Serve as the bridge between the university and school personnel, cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships with all constituents.

● Respond to emails, phone calls, questions, and other inquiries in a timely manner.

● Other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Working Conditions & Environment:

● Travel to and from school sites that are typically within a 50-mile radius of La Crosse.

● Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be necessary for the weekly contact, either by email, phone or in person, with teacher candidates.

Required Qualifications

● At least three years of previous PK-12 teaching experience/expertise in the specialty subject…