Item 3.A-September 13, 2013
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): Shawn Guard Pennell
Position #(s): 17676
Current Title: Project Coordinator, Nevada Educators Really Doing
Current Range: 2
Science (NERDS) (JCC:86889)
Department: Raggio Research Center for STEM Education College/Division: College of
Education
Account #(s): 1320-113-1080
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
(X) Title Change, Proposed Title: Coordinator, NNELI Paraprofessional Technology
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Jacque Ewing-Taylor, Assoc Dir, Raggio STEM Education
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
__________________
Date
___________________________/_________________________________
__________________
David Crowther, Exec Dir, RRC / Kenneth Coll, Dean, College of Education
Date
Director/Chair/Dean
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton
Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
__________________
Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67441 Range:
2
Pos #(s): 17676
JCC:
EEO: 3B
Eff: 9/1/2013
Coordinator,
NNELI
Paraprofessional
Technology
Approved Title:
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Coordinator, Technology and Paraprofessional Education (NNELI) Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Coordinator, Technology and Paraprofessional Education, of the Northern Nevada English
Learning Initiative (NNELI) is responsible for overseeing and administering the technology portion of
the NNELI grant such as shooting and editing video for best-practices videos and the hybrid blended
learning environment (online and face-to-face) course for paraprofessionals. In overseeing the
paraprofessional education modules, the Coordinator is responsible for creating the online course
content according to online pedagogical best-practices, coordinating with Washoe County School
Distract (WCSD) and other external entities when administering the educational courses, facilitating
the online modules, and instructing at the monthly face-to-face meetings. The position reports to the
Associate Director, Raggio STEM Education in the Raggio Research Center (RCC).
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
35% - Instruction
 Design an online course for paraprofessionals across five years using online instructional and
pedagogical best-practices in instructional design and Web 2.0 tools and applications
 Create and revise course content as determined by the NNELI Principal Investigator (PI)
 Research current and future skills needed for paraprofessionals
 Research course content for all modules, identify how content will best serve and be
presented to paraprofessionals in an online and hybrid method; create modules with content in
a well-designed manner according to best-practices for instructional design
 Facilitate the online course using best-practices for online course facilitation
 Meet monthly at WCSD training lab to preview module content with WCSD co-facilitator and
course participants
25% - Paraprofessional Course Administration
 Manage the day-to-day details and activities of the paraprofessional portion of the grant
including correspondence with Extended Studies, WCSD, paraprofessional applicants,
additional professional development opportunities
 Manage data collection and analysis activities in collaboration with WCSD regarding the
paraprofessional program
 Manage paraprofessional Institution Review Board (IRB) applications, updates, data collection
and analysis and writing on the generalizable knowledge gathered
 Collaborate with internal and external partners and stakeholders regarding paraprofessional
education and effectiveness in working with English Language Learners (ELL) at their local
sites
 Oversee and collaborate with temporary staff, graduate students, and student workers as
assigned, especially those hired to help with NNELI grant paraprofessional portion in any
capacity
25% - Operations/Activities Coordination
 Videotape and edit videos as needed for PI and Co-Investigator (Co-I) instructional
assignments in portions of regular NNELI courses
 Participate in meetings and activities for marketing for the NNELI program
 Troubleshoot and problem-solve technology issues for NNELI and RRC as a whole
Position Description – Coordinator, Technology and Paraprofessional Education (NNELI) Page 3
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Supervise and create projects for summer and temporary student workers as assigned
Conduct needs assessment of WCSD personnel to determine the most appropriate content
and method for creating paraprofessional 9-module curriculum to meet the needs of the Local
Educational Agency (LEA) as well as the federal grant requirements as per the grant proposal
Avail myself of professional development opportunities to better prepare content for the
paraprofessional course modules
Participate in RRC meetings to discuss new Center business and staff updates
Provide periodic staff and professional development presentations
Attend NNELI meetings regarding grant administration, updates, IRB, marketing, course
creation, changes and administration
Supervise RRC undergraduate and student employees as assigned
15% - Technology Operations/Activities
 Research and make informed and quality technology purchases for the grant
 Create professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, and grant participants on how
to use the technology for a variety of purposes such as video editing, using Web 2.0 tools in
instruction, using course management software, optimizing Internet use and safety
 Utilize opportunities to use technology for marketing and facilitating the NNELI program
including electronic media such as webinars and other online solutions for better grant
management and operations
 Manage technology storage and maintenance
 Create an effective check out and check in system for all grant technology and resources
including cameras, laptops, Full Option Science System (FOSS) and Engineering Is
Elementary (EIE) science
 Edit using Premiere, assess and upload best practices videos to NNELI website including
working with @One faculty to host videos on the server
 Assess and update RRC website as needed
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The Coordinator requires independent working skills and the ability to make decisions on a daily basis
within guidelines of the program and the RRC without direct supervision. Status of activities and
progress toward completion are reviewed regularly with the Project Coordinator. The individual works
closely with the NNELI PI, Co-I, and/or RRC Director on major decisions associated with the position
and on project goals.
Impact:
The decisions and actions made by the Coordinator are key elements to the success of the creation of
a best-practices library and the optimal maintenance and use of technology for the grant and the
RRC. Additionally, the decisions and actions as a Coordinator over the portion of the grant involving
the paraprofessionals are important in fulfilling the grant goals of better equipping educators for
working with ELLs as they directly impact relations with the College of Education and the external
stakeholders. The position works directly with paraprofessionals and their supervisor at the LEA and
decisions could affect future willingness to be recruited to University programs. It also impacts the
future funding of the grant project, the achievement of instructional and program goals, and the
stewardship of grant-funded equipment.
Position Description – Coordinator, Technology and Paraprofessional Education (NNELI) Page 4
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Curriculum, teaching and learning theories and practices
 Online pedagogy
 Instructional design theories and best-practices for online courses
 WebCampus, Blackboard or other learning management system
 Adult education
 WCSD and other pertinent programs useful for teaching English to second language learners
(i.e., Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD), Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol
(SIOP), Positive Behavioral Intervention System (BPIS), and Social and Emotional Learning
(SEL), etc.)
 Technology applications and their uses
 How to use technology such as how to set up multiple cameras for best angles, microphones,
use video editing software such as Final Cut or Premier and Photoshop
 K-12 classroom teaching
Skills:
 Course design, problem solving and troubleshooting with a learning management system and
other software applications
 Proficiency with video editing and multi-media in WebCampus or Community
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and WebCampus
 Use, implementation, and teaching of computer applications and software to participants and
staff
 Excellent verbal and written communication to include presentation skills (development and
delivery) in order to clearly communicate project status and other information to team
members and those outside the project
 Interpersonal and human relations skills
 Program/project/event planning, development, coordination, and management
Ability to:
 Teach and train adults in an online environment
 Communicate and work with a variety of individuals: teachers, administrators, University
faculty, graduate students, project staff and other NNELI partners
 Understand the concepts and possess the skills to infuse technology into teaching and
learning
 Maintain accurate (student, staff, program, etc.) up-to-date records
 Provide technical support or aid in technical issues online and in person
 Work and interact with diverse population with sensitivity to cultural differences
 Plan and implement quality paraprofessional and other programs in Web-based teaching and
learning
 Learn new technology and software packages
 Manage resources effectively and efficiently
 Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks in an efficient and timely manner while
maintaining focus on organizational goals
Position Description – Coordinator, Technology and Paraprofessional Education (NNELI) Page 5
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
Principal and Co-investigators,
University faculty, grant
participants, Nevada educators
(classroom teachers,
paraprofessionals, administrative
faculty in school districts)
Graduate students
Student workers- permanent and
temporary (including DFS)
UNR technology-related
departments and faculty
External
WCSD/NV Educators
Vendors for technology and
software
Reason for Contact
To assure that the goals and objectives of the project are
accomplished
To work together in gathering and interpreting data for the
paraprofessional and other portions of the grant
To provide positive leadership and collaborate to make sure
students are properly supervised toward the goal of completing
tasks as assigned
To leverage existing technologies to maximize opportunities for
participants of the grant- per-service, classroom, and
paraprofessional portions
Reason for Contact
To work to promote the paraprofessional portion of the grant; to
incorporate appropriate technologies where possible; and to gain
permissions as needed
To make quality decisions on purchases for benefit of grant
projects and participants
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience in use of educational technology and
pedagogy for developing web based courses and teaching in an online environment
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None