Please note: Must have early learning experience and be based out of, or have significant working experience in the Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Education is ever-evolving. And so are we.
We seek passionate people from diverse backgrounds who are committed to helping improve the work of schools as a trusted partner in advancing learning. By joining the Cognia team, you will be immersed in a community of energetic and resourceful people dedicated to a common vision to impact and inspire education providers to advance and enable pathways of success for all learners. At Cognia we have developed a holistic approach to education that empowers schools to create real outcomes and optimize learning for students of all backgrounds. Serving over 40,000 institutions from early learning through high school in more than 100 countries and territories, Cognia brings universally recognized perspective to advancing teaching and learning. When you join Cognia, you join a team of experts passionate about our mission and embracing our core values in everything we do.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
The Lead Evaluator, Early Learning will provide high quality personalized and customized service to early learning institutions (birth through kindergarten) in the Cognia network, particularly in relation to accreditation evaluation. Lead Evaluators serve as an extension of the local Cognia office to deliver a variety of services related to accreditation. Lead Evaluators may be requested to provide service anywhere in which Cognia needs their expertise; however, priority for assignments will be given to service in the state or territory where the evaluator resides.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES:
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Conducts various types of Cognia reviews, including Accreditation Engagement, Monitoring, and Candidacy Reviews, ensuring alignment with Cognia’s standards and expectations.
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Successfully completes a comprehensive training program consisting of multiple courses that equip evaluators to conduct all types of Cognia reviews with consistency and quality.
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Participates in ongoing professional development and in-service training to continuously enhance evaluation expertise and remain current with Cognia protocols.
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Delivers technical assistance and accreditation-related training to institutions, supporting them throughout the accreditation lifecycle.
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Supports institutions during their six-year accreditation cycles by offering expert guidance and resources tailored to their specific needs.
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Provides technical support for Cognia’s accreditation tools, including both online and offline platforms.
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Facilitates high-quality training sessions to prepare institutions for upcoming reviews, ensuring a thorough understanding of accreditation expectations and processes.
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Offers post-review support to institutions, including interpretation of findings and strategic guidance for improvement planning to advance institutional goals.
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Serves as a representative of Cognia in professional settings, promoting the organization’s mission and services within the broader education community.
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Delivers presentations and informational sessions on Cognia accreditation and improvement services at institutional meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums.
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Participates in school and system meetings on behalf of Cognia to provide feedback, present recognition, and support institutional engagement.
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Collaborates with regional and state offices to execute service plans and initiatives that enhance the accreditation process.
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May review reports and/or serve in a mentoring or coaching role for other accreditation team members to support capacity building and quality assurance.
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Assists Senior Director(s) with quarterly newsletter to institutions preparing for or going through an Accreditation Engagement Review.
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Performs duties and fulfills responsibilities that may, from time to time, include related or unrelated tasks.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
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BS in Early Childhood Education or equivalent required; M.Ed. Ed.D. or Ph.D. in educational leadership area preferred
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A minimum of five (5) years of Birth through Kindergarten teaching experience required
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Three (3) or more years in a leadership capacity in an early learnings school district early learning program, early learning system of schools or early childhood education focused not for profit or state agency preferred
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Experience as an educational leader at the building or central office level desired
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Evaluators are expected to complete required initial and ongoing training on reviews and interpretations
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Evaluators are expected to maintain a high level of knowledge about the current operations of Cognia by participating in on-going professional development related to Cognia’s work
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Certification for eleot™ and/or erel™ required
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Experience with Cognia tools and processes preferred
Competencies:
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Exceptional oral and written communication skills
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Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills
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Substantial experience in the field of education as a school or district leader
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Knowledge of Cognia processes and protocols
Anticipated Travel (may include local, national, and/or international travel):
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Extensive travel (>40%)
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Travel to All Staff Company Meeting required
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Cognia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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