Program Support Specialist

Discover the opportunity to join Baker College, honored as one of the 2024 Best and Brightest Workplaces in West Michigan, Metro Detroit and Nationally. Come join our team as a Program Support Specialist for our Elementary Education Program. At the heart of our Elementary Education program, the Program Support Specialist is the organizational powerhouse behind the scenes. This vital role provides top-tier administrative support to the Program Director and team, ensuring everything runs smoothly from coordinating field placements to keeping our program aligned with state certification requirements. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of compliance, the Specialist maintains essential data for program and performance reports, helping shape the future of teacher education. Acting as a key bridge between Baker College and the Michigan Department of Education, this role is all about connection, coordination, and keeping excellence on track. The Program Support Specialist plays a critical role in coordinating field placements for students in the elementary education program, ensuring all placements align with program standards and timelines. This position is responsible for tracking essential data related to program admissions and assessment outcomes across the unit. The Specialist manages student records within the state s candidate tracking system and receives and monitors MTTC assessment data. They also submit candidates to the Michigan Department of Education for certification recommendations, helping to ensure full compliance with Michigan s Teacher Certification Laws and Administrative Rules. Additionally, the Specialist schedules, promotes, and hosts informational meetings for students preparing for teacher certification. They actively participate in certification and compliance-related meetings, including DARTEP gatherings, and are responsible for maintaining and submitting Pearson data collections, Title II reports, and supporting the Program Director in preparing CAEP accreditation reports. The Specialist also collaborates with the Program Director to update relevant handbooks on an annual basis, contributing to the continuous improvement and clarity of program documentation. The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor s degree in education or a related field, with a master s degree strongly preferred. They will bring 2 4 years of experience in the education field, either within higher education or at the P 12 level, demonstrating a solid understanding of educational systems and student support. Preferred candidates will have direct experience as a field placement coordinator, certification officer, or compliance officer, particularly in a higher education or P 12 setting. A strong working knowledge of Michigan Department of Education laws and regulations related to teacher certification is highly desirable, ensuring the candidate can effectively support program compliance and contribute to the success of future educators. The successful candidate will believe in and support the student first philosophy while contributing to the overall success of Baker College, while acting as a positive role model and brand ambassador on and off campus. Join us in shaping the future of education and leadership. The full position description is available for your review online -Program Support Specialist ABOUT BAKER COLLEGE: Founded in 1911, Baker College is committed to embracing technology, sparking innovation, and fostering a supportive learning environment where students can get the real-world knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to pursue the life and career they want. Each of our six campus locations is special, with a unique culture, collection of academic programs, and landscape. Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor s, master s, and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online. Our student-first philosophy is the cornerstone of our institution it is our compass, guiding us and keeping us on course, ensuring that our students and their success are always our main priority. Our dedication to the success of our students ensures that we will all go Further Together. Please visit Baker College Careers Page for more information. TITLE IX NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Baker College prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located in the Baker College Title IX Policy.