National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: “Exercise of Executive Leadership: Self” (R5201)

Curriculum: Executive Fire Officer Program

This initial course was designed to allow students to develop the ability to conceptualize 

and employ key processes used by executive-level personnel in the effective exercise of 

leadership for self. The curriculum includes individual assessment instruments, case 

study analysis, debate and extensive critical thinking dialogue that is dialectical and 

epistemological in nature. Participants complete an initial “personal development plan”

used throughout the course to create desirable goals in the areas of their professional, 

personal, community and family life. Course units include topics such as creating a 

leadership learning environment, work/life balance, the art and science of leadership, the 

adaptive leadership framework, influence and perspectives, mentoring and coaching, 

ethics, social responsibility, and transitioning from personal leadership to leading others.

Applicants not meeting the basic National Fire Academy (NFA) criteria outlined in the 

General Qualification Criteria established by the NFA will not receive further 

consideration.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors shall be evaluated in 3 consecutive course deliveries in 

accordance with the NFA’s Contract Instructor Evaluation program. Existing contract 

instructors are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program. 

1. Academic Requirement

The candidate must have a minimum of a master’s (graduate) degree from an 

accredited institution of higher education. Preferred degrees are master’s in public 

administration, business administration or human resource development. It is 

preferred that the instructor candidate should have attended the course within the 

last 3 years or will attend as a contract instructor trainee upon preliminary 

approval of the application. This requirement may be waived depending on the 

experience and background of the applicant.

2. Instructional Experience

A minimum of 5 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, at the executive level. This executive 

education experience can be in either private or public sector settings. The 

candidate must provide a minimum of at least 5 occurrences (of executive 

education instruction and/or facilitation) with reference information. Significant 

instructional experience at the graduate level must be demonstrated.
3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

a. The candidate must demonstrate facilitation (providing feedback) of 

multirater psychological assessment instruments and conducting and 

writing applied research. Since the Executive Fire Officer courses contain 

significant curriculum on designing and writing applied research, it is 

critical that the candidate demonstrate familiarity and teaching ability of 

academic research design, types of research and knowledge of the 

American Psychological Association style.

b. The candidate must demonstrate facilitation and instruction of executive 

education competencies to include leadership theories, organizational 

culture, influencing/persuasion, power, storytelling, managing multiple 

roles, public policy, innovation/creativity and using feedback.

c. The candidate must demonstrate experience grading and providing written 

recommendations on writing assessments based on established rubrics.

4. Additional Submittals

a. The candidate must have demonstrated significant activity at 

regional/national levels within the areas of executive and management 

development. Papers authored and published, consulting experiences, and 

other professional activity should be cited.

b. Include at least 3 professional references who can attest to your ability to 

perform the job you are applying for. 

5. Continuing Practice or Education

Ability to maintain currency in the field and the specific course by demonstrating 

one of the following: 

a. Successful completion of a subject-related course at a college or university 

level within the last 2 years.

b. Subject matter expert for a course development project that is related to 

leadership or similar topic.

c. Active participation at regional/national levels within the areas of 

executive and management development.

d. Publishing a peer-reviewed research paper related to the course topic.

e. Continuing to work for a public or private section organization that 

augments or supports the fire and emergency services.
Failure to provide approved documentation of ongoing training or instruction may 

result in revocation of the contract instructor status. 

Submit cover letter, resume and documentation addressing these criteria to:

Leadership and Partnership Branch

United States Fire Administration

16825 S. Seton Avenue

Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727

Email: fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov