National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: New Fire Chief Series (F/W0760, F/W0761, F/W0762, and R0763)

Curriculum: Leadership and Executive Development

Effective Date: August 2017

“New Fire Chief: Challenging Issues.” This course is designed to develop the managerial, 

administrative and leadership skills necessary for the first time fire chief and chief officer who 

desire a leadership position in their department. This course addresses critical knowledge and 

skills pertaining to the responsibilities of a fire chief, including topics such as local politics and 

the role of the chief officer, liability and risk management, and resources and items of knowledge 

needed to become a first time leader in a new position in their agency.

“New Fire Chief: Administrative Issues.” This course provides students with the managerial, 

administrative and leadership skills and awareness necessary for new or recently appointed or 

elected chiefs to effectively meet their obligations of the position.

“New Fire Chief: Contemporary Issues.” This course will develop the managerial skills, 

leadership skills, and contemporary issues and awareness necessary for new or newly appointed 

or elected fire chiefs to effectively meet their obligations. The course will help to develop 

knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for them to perform effectively now and in the future.

“New Fire Chief.” This six-day course is the combination of the three two-day courses, “New 

Fire Chief: Challenging Issues,” “New Fire Chief: Administrative Issues,” and “New Fire Chief: 

Contemporary Issues.” It is designed to develop the managerial, administrative and leadership 

skills necessary for the first time fire chief and chief officers who desire a leadership position in 

their department. This course addresses critical knowledge and skills pertaining to the 

responsibilities of a fire chief, including such topics as local politics and the role of the chief 

officer, liability and risk management, resources management, planning, community 

engagement, capital asset planning and acquisition, and other key topics for a first time leader in 

a new position in their agency.

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 the designated course subject 

areas.

b. A minimum of five years documented experience within the most recent 10 years 

as a fire chief, city/town or county manager, or fire executive board director.

c. A minimum of five years documented experience within the most recent 10 years 

presenting facilitated adult learning processes, to include use of the Socratic 

method of instructional delivery and student-centered learning.

d. 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 Relevance

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 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