CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Department of Policy, Research, And Government Relations

Vacancy Posting

July 15, 2022

Position Available

Title: Education Issues Specialist

This is a professional staff level position with a very competitive salary and benefits package per a collective bargaining agreement.  

It is a one-year position to fill a vacancy for a staff person on professional leave, with the possibility to convert to permanent.  The position will expire July 11, 2023, but may be converted to permanent pending a deadline for determination in May 2023.

For more information about this position, its duration, and unique circumstances, please feel free to contact CEA directly.

General Description

The educational issues specialist is responsible for the development of professional programs to meet Association goals in an effort to meet the ever-changing Association programmatic needs, and to facilitate the growth and development of the overall Association.

CEA is a member-driven statewide association representing teachers and local union affiliates.  We are the state affiliate of the National Education Association.  CEA is committed to centering its organization and work around equity and diversity.

General Duties

1. Anticipates, develops, and implements programs related to teacher preparation, certification, and licensure; teacher standards and practice; student and teacher assessment; education reform and professional development.
2. Coordinates CEA’s Aspiring Educator Program, which involves building and supporting future educator clubs for undergraduate students in Connecticut colleges and universities; helps support future educator clubs in high schools, and helps to promote diversity among future educators at all levels of teacher preparation and recruitment.
3. Anticipates, develops, and delivers professional development and member education workshops; Consults with local affiliates on professional issues (see cea.org/pla for more examples of workshops).

4. Produces high-quality publications on education and educational policy issues.

5. Advocates the Association's interests before state and national entities concerned with education policy and practice; Serves as a member of CEA's Lobbying Team.

6. Serves as staff support for commissions, committees, and special task forces as assigned.

Qualifications

Communication Skills: 

1. Knowledge of the Association’s mission, strategic objective, goals, programs, and structure.

2. Extensive knowledge in the areas of teacher preparation and practice; professional development; certification and licensure; student and teacher assessment and education reform.

3. Knowledge of state professional standards boards for teachers and of the National Board For Professional Teaching Standards and the National Council For Accreditation of Teacher Education.

4. Extensive knowledge of the education reform effort and experience in developing and implementing school reform projects.

5. Evidence of the ability to conduct research into educational issues, analyze data, draw conclusions, make sound, prudent recommendations, and ability to present large and complex issues in succinct and effective modes.

6. Thorough grounding in the design, execution, interpretation, and use of surveys.

7. Effective interpersonal skills, oral and written communications, including lobbying legislative and administrative state agencies.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree or higher in Education or a related field is preferred.
• Teaching experience is preferred.

Complexity

The Education Issues Specialist is frequently required to deal with a wide variety of political, organizational, technical, and human challenges in his/her role as a consultant and advisor to affiliates and members.  The Specialist frequently operates independently, away from direct and immediate supervision.  Decisions must sometimes be made without the benefit of managerial input and must meet the needs of his/her constituents without violating CEA’s position.  Work frequently involves many night and weekend meetings which may be critical to the Association’s mission and strategic objectives.

The work required of the specialist has a direct effect on the successful achievement of CEA’s members, mission, strategic objectives, programs, and projects at the state and local affiliates levels.  In addition, the work has a direct impact on the Association’s relationships with educators and policy makers in the field of public education.

Accountability

This Education Issues Specialist reports to the Director of Policy, Research, and Government Relations and regularly consults with the President and Executive Director.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is determined through a collectively bargained salary schedule and is highly competitive.  The salary range will be provided to applicants upon request. Placement on the salary schedule is subject to the collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits include generous sick and vacation leave, health insurance coverage inclusive of dental and vision, a defined benefit pension plan, 401(k), and life insurance.

Application Requirements

To be considered as an applicant, interested candidates must submit the following materials by July 29, 2022:

1. Letter of interest
2. Resume
3. Names of references
4. Writing sample on an issue of public interest to educators or policy makers

Please direct application materials and questions to:

Ray Rossomando

Director, Policy, Research, and Government Relations

21 Oak St.
Hartford, CT 06119

rayr@cea.org

CEA is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.