National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: “Exercise of Executive Leadership: Community” (R5203)

Curriculum: Executive Fire Officer Program

This course was designed to allow students to develop an overview of their communities’

existing reality in support of fostering a safe, healthy, prepared and resilient community. The 

curriculum includes community assessments, case study analysis, debate and extensive critical 

thinking dialogue that is dialectical and epistemological in nature. Participants complete 

community “risk assessments” used throughout the course to create desirable goals for their 

organizations. Course units include topics such as understanding the organization, ethical 

decision-making, organizational development, organizational constraints and creating strategic 

initiatives. 

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 studentcentered 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