Program Coordinator and Staff Developer

Some assignments, such as those that require a teacher to serve as a staff developer or to coordinate an educational program, do not fall within the scope of a teaching credential.  However, there are Local Assignment Options that expand the scope of a teacher's credential to allow them to serve in such positions. 

Program Coordinators

Program coordinators are charged with the development, direction, implementation, and coordination of programs designed to improve instruction and enhance student learning.  These positions often oversee instruction of specific subjects or academic programs (ex. Mathematics).  However they can also coordinate programs outside of traditional instruction, including, but not limited to Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), extracurricular activities, pupil personnel services, health services, library services, and technology support services. 

Common duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Developing, coordinating, and supervising programs; 
2. Developing curriculum or program parameters;
3. Evaluating and assessing programs; and
4. Managing programs and the personnel within the program at a school site, district, or county level.

Because these are administrative duties, educators holding these positions should hold an Administrative Services Credential.  However, educators holding a credential based on a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation including student teaching can be authorized for this assignment at the school site level under Title 5 §80020.4.1(a). 

Staff Developers

Staff developers are charged with the administration of staff and professional development programs and/or training teachers and service providers on standards, curriculum, or program parameters.  The focus of the development can be in specific courses of study (e.g. mathematics or ELD), but can involve training staff on various methods to enhance learning outcomes (e.g. technology in the classroom, best practices, ongoing TPSL training). 

Common duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Mentoring teachers and service providers;
2. Administering training and staff development;
3. Disseminating information on changes to curriculum or best practices; and
4. Evaluating staff.

Educators holding a credential based on a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation including student teaching can be authorized for this assignment at all levels under Title 5 §80020.4, provided that they either a) hold a credential in the subject aligned with the position, or b) have their expertise in the subject verified and approved by the local governing board. 

Program Coordinator vs. Staff Developer

The main difference between the two positions is that program coordinators are focused on programs related to student learning and staff developers are focused on educating staff.  However, these positions can be hard to differentiate because of potential overlap in duties. In these cases, identifying the assignment type is always a local level decision, made between the Local Educational Agency (LEA) and that agency’s Monitoring Authority (MA).  

Additionally, if an assignment has the hallmarks of both positions, there is nothing that precludes employers from using both Title 5 §80020.4 and §80020.4.1(a) to authorize the assignment.  However, do consider that Title 5 §80020.4.1(a) is restricted to service at the schools site level. 

Specialist Credentials and Staff Development

Specialist Teaching Credentials authorize the holder to teach the specific subject area listed on the document and to develop and coordinate curriculum, develop programs and deliver staff development for programs coordinated by school districts or county offices of education. They are better prepared to serve as a resource person and provide references for other teachers. Although these specialist credentials authorize subjects or services that are already covered by credentials for departmentalized classes or self-contained classrooms, an employer can be sure that the holder of the specialist credential has met not only the standards established by the state through legislation and regulation as being adequate for service in that area, but that he/she is better prepared than the teacher with the elementary or secondary teaching credential to serve in their specific authorized areas. The California-prepared specialist credential has completed a substantial amount of training in his/her specialized field.

Assignment Options for Program Coordination (including Reading Programs) and Staff Development

Reading Program Coordination:
Charged with the development, direction, implementation, and coordination of reading programs designed to improve instruction and enhance student learning 

Program Coordination:
Charged with the development, direction, implementation, and coordination of programs designed to improve instruction and enhance student learning

Staff Development:
Charged with the administration of staff and professional development programs and/or educating teachers and service providers on standards and curriculum

Note, Administrative Services Credential holders can develop and coordinate programs at the school site, district, and county level, but cannot serve as staff developers.

Staff Development for Adult or Career Technical Education:
Charged with the administration of staff and professional development programs and/or educating teachers and service providers on standards and curriculum

Pupil-Personnel Services Program Coordination: Charged with the development, direction, implementation, and coordination of PPS programs.