NXTGEN Teach Success Navigator

Position Overview

NXT GEN Teach is an innovative system-wide initiative to enhance and expand teacher preparation licensure programs in K-12 Special Education (ABS and ECSE) across the state of Minnesota in service of our partner districts. The NXT GEN Teach Success Navigator position has been created to support the work needed across the state of Minnesota to support candidates to explore, become and thrive as a special education teacher. The Success Navigator plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between coursework and yearlong student teaching experiences for teacher candidates pursuing a Tier 3 teaching license and degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This individual will provide targeted coaching and developmental support to both teacher candidates and their Journey Worker/Cooperating Teachers, ensuring high-quality, job-embedded clinical experiences aligned with licensure standards and program outcomes that prepares teachers to stay in the field of education for years to come. This position will directly support all apprenticeship/resident/resident and residency programs.

NXT GEN Teach Apprenticeship/Residency is a paid pathway for paraprofessionals with an AA degree to earn their bachelor's or master's degree and Tier 3 Teaching Licensure in ABS or ECSE while participating in job embedded training with a district partner alongside a skilled journey worker (cooperating teacher) and receive related technical service (coursework) online by the University of Minnesota.

The Navigator will work hand-in-hand with the Recruiter and Director to support each partnering campus (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Twin Cities) to work with candidates from their community to ensure they feel prepared to be successful meeting program expectations. The Success Navigator will guide candidates through the creation of personalized educational plans and facilitate connections to UMN and school system/school district resources that support their unique values, strengths, interests and identities. They will also help candidates navigate policies, procedures, and the state licensure process with the support of the Advisor and the UMN's Office of Teacher Education (OTE).

This position makes significant contributions toward program development and operations through collaboration with various faculty, staff and district partners. The staff member is expected to be a continuous change agent, having the expertise to recommend and implement solutions and best practices for complex programs. Working both independently and with a team is essential to creating a positive and seamless student experience. This Success Navigator will be knowledgeable and passionate about supporting high quality educational access for all students. They will hold an understanding of how the Department's mission informs their own duties and efforts.

The Success Navigator will emphasize a strong responsibility to student progress and development. We seek professionals who understand and will contribute to our program's vision and mission such that they:

• Communicate well and develop effective relationships with students and colleagues
• Expertly advocate for students
• Commit to working together to solve problems
• Remain flexible in responding to change and changing situations

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities

Teacher Candidate Support (40%)

• Provide virtual coaching to support candidates in applying coursework to real-world classroom settings.
• Facilitate reflective practice, instructional planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Monitor candidate progress and provide feedback related to clinical competencies and licensure standards.
• Collaborate with university faculty to ensure alignment between coursework and fieldwork.
• Provide guidance to candidates related to enrolling in coursework and completing relevant milestones as part of program completion
• Support recruitment efforts by hosting Information/Find Your Fit Sessions with the program staff
• Host Monthly Candidate Seminars connected directly to coursework, job-embedded assessments, and skills for success
• Support with candidate orientation, signing day and all associated sessions for candidate support

Journey Worker (Cooperating Teacher) Training & Coaching (40%)

• Develop and deliver training for Journey Worker (cooperating teachers) to support their role as mentors.
• Host regular Professional Development Sessions
• Meet 1:1 with Journey Workers (cooperating teachers)
• Facilitate communities of practice or professional learning opportunities for Journey Workers (cooperating teachers) (virtually and/or regionally) as needed
• Coach Journey Workers (cooperating teachers) to provide consistent, high quality instructional models, and developmentally appropriate support and performance feedback to candidates.
• Support the implementation of observation tools, co-teaching models, and candidate assessments.

Program Coordination/Development & Communication (10%)

• Serve as a liaison between the university, district partners, journey workers (cooperating teachers), and candidates.
• Participate in virtual program meetings and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Support data collection and documentation related to candidate progress and cooperating teacher effectiveness.
• Occasionally travel within the state to visit partner districts or observe clinical placements as needed.
• Support the work around creating, reviewing and revising education program policies, procedures, and practices (instructor expectations, student absence policies, class make-up policies, recruitment practices, admission practices, course sequencing) with program coordinators and director.
• Support the development of new and maintain existing partnerships with partner district HR departments regarding recruitment, matriculation, student teaching placements, and program completer employment.

Recruitment Efforts (5%)

• Support the recruitment communication and outreach with partner districts and schools.
• Share relevant recruitment updates to the team.
• Support information sessions in partner districts and schools
• Provide support to prospective students through prerequisite process
• Support the selection process of prospective students (including initial inquiry, application material review, interview, selection)
• Lead the matriculation of new students from admission to enrollment

Other Duties as assigned (5%)

• Keep current with developments in the field and continue personal development in the field
• Assist the NXT GEN Team as needed

Required Qualifications

• Master's in Education or Master's in Teaching in Special Education(per PELSB rule re: instructor qualifications)
• 3 or more years of combined related experience with proven ability to perform job, including at least 1 year of K-12 teaching
• Teaching license in special education (current or expired)
• Strong understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy, inclusive practices, and adult learning theory.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and technology skills for virtual coaching.
• Ability to travel occasionally within Minnesota as needed.
• Ability to develop and deliver courses in ways that effectively account for a variety of diverse backgrounds, communities, identities, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled in University student tracking systems (APLUS, APAS, GPAS, Peoplesoft)
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising pre-service or early-career teachers
• Prior experience working in teacher preparation or residency/apprenticeship/resident/resident programs.
• Experience with co-teaching models and clinical supervision protocols

Department Overview

The Department of Educational Psychology provides training in the cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan, including: the psychological foundations of education, quantitative methods in education, the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, nation, and international community. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies. For more information, see our webpage http://www.cehd.umn.edu/edpsych/.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

For priority consideration, apply before Wednesday, August 6, 2025

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).