National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Leadership in Supervision Series (F/W0646, F/W0647, F/W0648 and 

R/N0645)

Curriculum: Leadership and Executive Development

Effective Date: August 2017

“Leadership in Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional Growth.” This two-day

course presents the supervisor with the basic leadership skills and tools needed to perform

effectively in the fire service environment. The course includes concepts related to a successful

transition to supervisory and leadership roles, including concepts of adaptive leadership; change

management; active followership; effective communication, including difficult conversations

and advocacy-inquiry based dialogue; ethics; authority; power; decision-making; and active

engagement through the development of a personal plan.

“Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking.” This two-day course provides the

supervisor with the conceptual foundation and framework for success in leadership roles by

exploring creative, analytical, political and critical thinking perspectives. The course addresses

skills needed for assessing situations from multiple perspectives, making critical decisions,

fostering creativity and innovation, and using persuasion.

“Leadership in Supervision: Frameworks to Success.” This two-day course provides the

supervisor with the knowledge and skills to perform successfully in the fire and Emergency

Medical Services environments. The course addresses professionalism, resilience, emotional

intelligence, and situational awareness, as well as managing conflict, delegating, mentoring,

coaching, empowering, and building collaboration and synergy for professional growth.

“Leadership in Supervision.” This six-day course incorporates all the content from the courses

listed above and is intended to be presented in six consecutive days either on the National

Emergency Training Center campus or as a regional delivery.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors may be evaluated in three consecutive course deliveries in 

accordance with the National Fire Academy’s (NFA’s) Contract Instructor Evaluation program. 

Existing contract instructors are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program. 

All instructor candidates must meet or exceed the published course instructor criteria and meet the 

general and administrative requirements (found at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/

instructors_officials/criteria.html) before being approved to bid.
1. Academic/Training Requirement

A minimum of an earned baccalaureate degree, graduate degree preferred, from a 

nationally or regionally accredited institution recognized by the Department of Education.

The degree should be in a field closely related to the specific course’s subject matter.

2. Instructional Requirement

A minimum of five years of experience in facilitated adult learning processes within the

last 10 years, to include the use of the Socratic method of instructional delivery and

student-centered learning, preferably at the baccalaureate level or higher.

3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

a. Experience and knowledge in facilitating/instructing in each of the designated

course subject areas.

b. A minimum of five years documented organizational work experience at the level

of supervisor or above within the last 10 years. Experience related to fire and

emergency medical service organizations, public sector agencies serving the

public safety, or closely related fields, is preferred.

c. Successfully completed the course(s) as a student and attended the course at 

the NFA as an instructor candidate (at own expense); or completed an

instructor development program (at own expense).

While attending as an instructor candidate, or during an instructor 

development program, candidates will be assigned a topic(s) for purposes of 

an evaluated teaching demonstration in accordance with the NFA’s Contract 

Instructor Evaluation program. 

4. Continuing Practice and Education

Contract instructors must maintain both work experience and academic relevance specific

to the course(s) for which they are approved. To maintain eligibility to instruct any of the

courses in this series, contract instructors will be required on a periodic basis, but no

more than every three years, to submit verification of both work experience and academic

relevance. Work experience may be verified through submission of a work résumé.

5. Academic Relevancy

Instructor candidates must have academic relevance as evidenced by one or more of the

following:

a. teaching the course(s) at the NFA (“W” or “R” course code) or in the field (“F” or

“N” course code) at least once within the last three years;
b. teaching a similar course at an accredited institution of higher learning at least

once within the last three years; and

c. completing a similar course of instruction within the last three years through

an accredited institution of higher learning or a nationally recognized 

organization providing certified continuing education credits.

6. Revisions to Criteria

These criteria are subject to revision as based on course changes and NFA needs.

Potential instructors will be subject to the criteria effective at the date of application.

Existing contract instructors are subject to re-application for failure to meet and/or submit 

verification of the continuing practice and education requirements when requested. 

Additionally, existing contract instructors are subject to re-application and meeting

revised criteria as determined by the NFA based on revisions to course content.

7. How to Submit an Application

The following documents are required with each submission:

a. A cover letter listing the courses you want to teach.

b. Your résumé.

c. Documentation that clearly addresses how you meet the instructor selection 

criteria for each course you are seeking to teach. Incomplete packages will not be 

processed. List the criteria in this order:

- Academic requirement.

- Instructional experience. 

- Knowledge and experience in the subject matter.

- Continuing practice or education.

d. Three references from persons who are knowledgeable about your character as 

well as your teaching ability. One reference letter should be from the department 

or agency head in your organization or certifying organization.

e. Include a current email address so we can communicate more efficiently with 

you.

Do not include your social security number and your date of birth on any of the 

documents you submit.

All documentation and statements provided may be subject to a request for additional

verification, including but not limited to the following: academic transcripts, verification 

of work experience, and professional references.

Application package(s) must be submitted to:

National Fire Academy

fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov