National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Shaping the Future (F/W0602)

Curriculum: Leadership and Executive Development

Effective Date: August 2017

This two-day course focuses mid-level managers and first line supervisors in fire and Emergency 

Medical Services (EMS) organizations on the skills and techniques needed to provide leadership 

and direction for their departments. The first module focuses on identifying opportunities and/or 

problems. Topics include environmental scanning, paradigm shifts, and methods for reframing 

problems accurately. The second module deals with group problem-solving techniques. The third 

module explains the need to quantify, justify and communicate decisions so they will be 

implemented effectively. Managing change will be discussed in the final module. Topics include 

people who resist change, overcoming that resistance, and monitoring and evaluating the change 

before, during, and after implementation.

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(s)

a. Experience and knowledge in facilitating/instructing 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 and maintain academic relevance as evidenced by one or 

more of the following:

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

verification, to include, 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