Field Placement Specialist

Position Title: Field Placement Specialist Location: Multiple Locations Department: 33700 - Teacher Education Advertised Salary: $59,000 to $61,500; Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements. Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans FLSA: Exempt Temporary/Continuing: Continuing Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time Union Group: N/A Term of Position: 12 Month At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause Summary of Position: The School of Education seeks applications for a Field Placement Coordinator position, which involves placing students in clinical experiences in early childhood and PK-12 schools, maintaining student placement and required databases, working collaboratively with School of Education faculty, staff, and other placement coordinators, and auditing and maintaining records for student teacher and pre-student teacher applicants. Additionally, responsibilities include building effective relationships with PK-12 school personnel, collaborating with faculty and university supervisors to support students during clinical supervision, upholding all School of Education policies and procedures, providing orientation and information sessions related to clinical experiences at least twice per semester, participating in student teaching seminars, attending department meetings and field experience ad hoc committees, and traveling to develop and foster partnerships with schools and centers for early childhood, elementary, and secondary internships throughout Michigan as needed. The primary office will be maintained at Ferris State University's Flint Campus at Mott Community College, with work performed in the eastern Michigan region and, as needed, in western Michigan. The anticipated start date for this position is June 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed. The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. Position Type: Staff Required Education: Master's degree in Education or a closely related field. Required Work Experience: Documented work experience in the K-12 setting; working knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office products; demonstrated interpersonal skills; demonstrated organizational skills; excellent human relations skills (ability to work with multiple constituencies), and experience with diverse individuals. Required Licenses and Certifications: Physical Demands: Office Environment Moving Reaching Sitting Twisting Driving Repetitive movement Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Demonstrated knowledge of non-traditional adult learners; teaching/administrative experience in schools; student teacher supervision; experience working in higher education; teacher certification; demonstrated ability to take initiative in unstructured environments. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Field Experience Placement Coordination * Coordinate and assign field experience placements for undergraduate teacher candidates. * Match candidates with appropriate schools, grade levels, content areas, and mentor teachers based on certification requirements and candidate readiness. * Ensure placements meet state licensure requirements for duration, instructional setting, and supervision. Partnership & Liaison Responsibilities * Serve as the School of Education's primary point of contact with PK-12 districts, schools, principals, and mentor teachers regarding field experience placements. * Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with school districts, schools, and centers to secure high-quality internship sites. * Communicate expectations, timelines, and responsibilities to all students entering field experience placements. Compliance & Documentation * Track and maintain records related to placements, including internship agreements, mentor qualifications, background checks, and required clearances. * Monitor completion of required field experience hours and evaluations. * Prepare and maintain documentation for accreditation, licensure audits, and program reporting. Candidate & Faculty Support * Advise candidates on field experience policies, procedures, timelines, and professional expectations. * Collaboratively resolve field placement issues that impede the success of apprenticeships and internships. * Coordinate orientations and training sessions for student teachers and mentor teachers. * Collaborate with university supervisors and faculty to address placement challenges and support candidate success. Program Management & Continuous Improvement * Maintain accurate data in field experience placement and assessment management systems. * Analyze placement data to inform program improvement and partnership development. * Contribute to continuous improvement efforts related to clinical practice and teacher preparation. Additional Duties * Participate in departmental meetings, accreditation activities, and special initiatives. * Stay current on state certification requirements and best practices in clinical teacher preparation. * Assistance with accreditation reports and meetings concerning field experience. * Travel required to foster partnerships with centers and schools around Michigan via operating a personal vehicle to carry out job responsibilities. * Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of our duties * Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. * Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. * Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Skills and Abilities: * Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with PK-12 partners. * High attention to detail and commitment to compliance and data accuracy. * Problem-solving skills and ability to manage sensitive placement situations professionally. * Commitment to equity, access, and inclusive educator preparation practices. * Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Required Documents: Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript 1 Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial college transcript of the Master's degree. Transcript must include institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript (if applicable). Initial Application Review Date: June 15, 2026 Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes Posting Close Date: EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.