Qualification Criteria

The following download contains selection criteria for individuals interested in being considered for contract instructor positions with the Resident Programs Division of the National Fire Academy. These criteria are specific for each course offered on the NFA campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

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Download Qualification Criteria (PDF, 359 Kb)
Water-Based Fire Protection System Plan Review: Instructor Criteria (PDF, 19 Kb)

Please note that some courses have unique sections, each requiring a specialized type of experience. The Qualification Statement (contained within the download above) should indicate the specific section for which applied.

Age

Age is not a factor, however, the instructor must be mature enough to relate well with a wide range of adult learners.

Experience

It is important that the instructor have sufficient experience in the subject area to relate to the students. It is even more important that the instructor have proven successful teaching experience which is necessary to properly deliver the subject in an organized professional manner.

Education

Education requirements are specified for each course. All degree requirements must be from an institution that is accredited by a nationally-recognized Regional Accrediting Organization for Higher Education.

References

All applicants should supply three references from persons who are knowledgeable about their character as well as their teaching ability. All contract instructors are required to work with NFA staff and faculty and other contract instructors. Their ability to work with others in a structured teaching environment and to follow instructions and lesson plans will be a trait that is verified through references and observation. One reference letter should be from the department or agency head in the instructor's organization or certifying organization.

Certification

It is desirable that applicants be certified through:

an established training organization or association;
having successfully completed the Academy's former Fire Service Instructional Methodology course;
or have completed an Instructional Methods course from a college or university.

In order to be retained, contract instructors must perform well in all aspects of their responsibilities to include both on and off the "platform" duties. Administrative duties are required beyond normal teaching responsibilities. Other duties are explained in the contract statement of work which is included in each bid package.

Federal Employees

If you are employed as a Federal or Disaster Assistance Employee (DAE), you will not be eligible to be a Contract Instructor for the NFA. You must resign from that position and show verification of this resignation. Under current regulations, you are not permitted to be in a pay status for two Federal positions.