Director of Professional Practices

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

11d

About The Position

Director of Professional Practices Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Salem, Oregon The Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) is Oregon’s licensing and regulatory agency for educators, established under ORS 342. We set standards for educator preparation programs and ensure professional excellence—so every student in Oregon benefits from ethical, qualified educators. We’re seeking a leader to serve as Director of Professional Practices, Oregon’s statewide expert on educator ethics and professional standards. In this role, you will lead the Professional Practices Unit, which investigates allegations of educator misconduct and ensures compliance with state and federal laws, Commission rules, and ethical standards. You will provide strategic leadership, manage complex investigations, and make disciplinary recommendations to the Executive Director and Commission. Your leadership will help protect students, support educators, and strengthen trust in Oregon’s education system.

Requirements

• Five years of lead work, supervision, or progressively related experience; OR two years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Related Experience and/or Education includes:
• Education: Education, Criminal Justice
• Experience: K-12 or post-secondary education, or in a field supporting professional educators

Nice To Haves

• Leadership & Team Development – Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing investigative teams; set and achieve clear goals while fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment.
• Professional Ethics Expertise - Knowledge and application of educator ethics and standards to complex, real-world scenarios with sound judgment.
• Investigations & Compliance - Experience managing sensitive complaints and investigations with fairness and transparency; ensuring regulatory compliance and due process.
• Administrative Law & Hearings - Ability to navigate administrative procedures confidently and prepare clear, defensible case materials.
• Report Analysis - Skill in reviewing investigative reports for clarity, completeness, and evidence-based conclusions.
• Policy & Prevention - Ability to design proactive policies, training, and preventative education for educators and districts that promote ethical conduct and student safety.
• Communication –Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to brief leaders and partners effectively and produce concise, high-quality deliverables tailored to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration - Ability to build strong, collegial relationships with districts, attorneys, agencies, and stakeholders; engage communities with respect and responsiveness.
• Equity & Inclusion - Demonstrated commitment to integrating equity principles into decision-making and fostering an environment where all voices are valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Manage the Unit: Supervise and develop staff; set clear goals; align people, processes, and resources to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Investigate & Ensure Compliance: Oversee impartial investigations into alleged misconduct; ensure adherence to legal, ethical, and administrative requirements.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert: Advise on educator ethics and professional practices; provide clear, accessible guidance to educators and the public.
• Policy, Training & Prevention: Design evidence-based policies, training, and preventative education for educators and districts; promote consistency and ethical excellence statewide.
• Collaborate Across Oregon: Partner with state agencies, school districts, and stakeholders to promote student safety and uphold professional standards; engage communities with respect and responsiveness.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental plans for you and your family. Additional benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability, deferred compensation savings plans, and flexible spending accounts for health and childcare.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 11 holidays, 3 personal business days, monthly sick leave and vacation leave that increases with years of service.
• Retirement Benefits: Membership in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Wellness Resources: Support for work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Commuting: Access to Get There - Oregon’s carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director