National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Supervising Emergency Medical Services (F/W0146) 

Curriculum: Emergency Medical Services

This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills and abilities required to 

navigate current emergency medical services (EMS) management issues and the 

challenges in moving from EMS provider to EMS supervisor. 

Course topics and activities include: 

• The transition to leadership.

• Time and task management.

• Communication. 

• Information and technology. 

• Talent management.

• Health and safety.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors shall be evaluated in 3 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. 

1. Academic Requirement

a. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an organization recognized by the 

U.S. Department of Education. The degree should be in a discipline closely 

related to the subjects covered in this course, i.e., fire or EMS service 

management, public administration, business administration, public health, 

etc. 

- A graduate-level degree from an organization recognized by the 

U.S. Department of Education, in a discipline closely related to the 

subjects covered in this course, is preferred. 

- An equivalent combination of college-level coursework and 

experience may be considered for meeting this requirement.

b. Documentation of successful completion of ICS-100, ICS-200 and National 

Incident Management System orientation (IS-700). 

c. “Supervising Emergency Medical Services” (F/W0146) course attendance, 

participation and completion with an “A” or “B” grade during a currentversion offering. 
2. Instructional Experience

a. Documented ability to explain current and emerging standards and 

practices for EMS, specifically those related to the transition to leadership, 

time and task management, communication, information and technology, 

personnel management, and health and safety, to a diverse student 

population with a broad range of training and experience. 

b. Documented successful completion of a recognized adult educational 

methodology course at the college/university level; state level; 

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, Professional 

Qualifications Board level; or National Association of EMS Educators 

Instructor Course. 

c. Ability to instruct courses or materials similar to the course content at the 

community college, state or regional level, demonstrated by documented 

experience and copies of multiple supervisor and/or end-of-course student 

evaluations of instructional ability from courses taught with similar 

content. 

Experience should include presentation of prepared material, facilitation of group 

discussion on specified topics, facilitation of group activity work, and 

constructive feedback to students on evaluated assignments. 

3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

a. Knowledge of the current and emerging standards and practices related to

EMS system management at the first-line supervisory level, including the 

transition to leadership, time and task management, communication, 

information and technology, personnel management, and health and 

safety, as demonstrated by essay submission (item b under “Additional 

Submittals”).

b. Recent (within the last 5 years) experience as an EMS system manager 

with responsibility supervising first-line supervisors. 

c. Current knowledge in the use of computers and related software for 

documentation, projects and presentations as demonstrated by the 

submission of clear, thorough application with resume and/or curriculum 

vitae and below required additional submittals. 

4. Additional Submittals

a. For 1 subject or course related to the EMS curriculum, provide a 12- to 

18-minute video or digital video disk demonstrating your instructional 

style. This video will be used to evaluate your teaching style in a studentcentric adult learning environment. This requirement may be waived by 

the training specialist after in-person observation of live instruction.
b. Submission of a written essay not to exceed 500 words explaining how the 

instructor candidate has effected successful implementation or 

improvement of a first-line supervisory personnel program within EMS or 

related discipline.

5. Continuing Practice or Education 

The ability to maintain currency in the field and the specific course by completing 

one of the following: 

a. Teaching a similar course at the college or university level. 

b. Taking a similar course with current standards, rules and regulations. 

c. Teaching the current-version course at the NFA or in the field. 

d. Writing and researching a paper or article related to the course topic for at 

least 1 of the fire/EMS service or related disciplines’ trade journals using 

current research, standards, rules and regulations. 

Failure to provide approved documentation of ongoing training or instruction may 

result in revocation of the contract instructor status.

6. How to Submit an Application 

The following documents are required for each application: 

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

b. Resume.

c. Documentation that clearly addresses how you meet the instructor 

selection criteria for each course you want to teach. Incomplete packages 

will not be processed. List the criteria in this order: 

- Academic requirement.

- Instructional experience. 

- Knowledge and experience with the subject. 

- Continuing practice or education. 

d. 3 references from persons who are knowledgeable about your character 

and your teaching ability. 1 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 efficiently with 

you. 

Do not include your Social Security number or date of birth on any of the 

documents you submit.

Email your application to fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov. Upon receipt, an 

NFA training specialist will review your application. You will receive an email 

notification of its status within 30 days.