Porterville College Education Careers Program
The Education Careers Program at Porterville College provides future educators with information and resources to succeed in their education at Porterville College and beyond. The services offered include counseling and advising, career path guidance, workshops, information sessions, university campus tours, and more! Keep up with our virtual newsletter for our latest events and for resources that benefit future educators
Fall 2024
Spring 2024 Highlights
Check out some pictures below of the events we held during the Spring 24 semester. We are so excited to create memories and help you all with resources during this semester!
Career Options
Superintendent
What Does a Superintendent Do?
A superintendent is a senior administrative position held within the school district. A superintendent works together with the district school board to create and institute policy and processes related to education. They are responsible for the development and supervision of all school programs within their districts and seek to improve the educational standards of students. Many superintendents begin their career path as a teacher and eventually become head administrators or principals before moving to the position.
There are various degree options to becoming a superintendent. However, a master's degree in education or school administration is strongly preferred. Those who excel in the position tend to have a passion for education and high standards for educators and public-school processes. Exceptional employees in the position of superintendent have first-hand knowledge of life in public schooling and actively work to improve public education for students and teachers in their district.
Job Overview
Example Co. is one of the leading companies in our field in the area. We're proud of our 3.6 rating on Glassdoor from our employees. We are hiring a talented Superintendent professional to join our team. If you're excited to be part of a winning team, Example Co. is a great place to grow your career. You'll be glad you applied to Example Co.
Responsibilities for Superintendent
• Propose, write and revise educational policies for the district and act as the voice of parents and students
• Review financial statements and seek ways to lower costs and spend allowances in the best manner to achieve district goals
• Analyze the bussing system and determine how many busses are needed in the fleet yearly to ensure the transportation needs of the district are met
• Prepare monthly reports regarding teacher and student data
• Review the proposed curriculum and ensure it meets state and national educational standards
• Oversee educational spending by setting and maintaining the annual budget
• Ensure safe and well-maintained building by budgeting for improvements and maintenance
• Interview and hire principals within the district
Qualifications for Superintendent
• Master's or Doctorate degree in administration or education preferred
• Hands-on leadership skills in an educational setting
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Professional experience working in a classroom setting
• Genuine interest and compassion regarding the improvement of education standards for the district
• Experience working a leadership role in the school system as a principal or administrator
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents and understand their viewpoints on decisions made within the school system
• Experience in organizing building maintained and public transportation within the district
• Accountability and integrity are essential as the decisions made in the role effect countless others
Superintendent salary in California
Dean of Student Success and Counseling
What is a Dean of Student Success and Counseling?
Under the direction of the Vice President of Student Services, the Dean plans, organizes, controls and directs the operations and activities of the functions and programs within the Counseling and Student Success division; provide leadership to student support activities and services across campus; evaluate the effectiveness of the division’s and college’s student support activities, and recommend methods for continuous improvement.
What does a Dean of Student Success and Counseling do?
Provide leadership to the counseling and student services functions within the division which may include, but not be limited to, counseling, articulation, Transfer Center, Career Center, and Student Success and Support Services.
Provide leadership for the development, evaluation and continuous improvement of necessary programs services and processes designed to assure student completion of assessment, orientation, abbreviated and comprehensive educational plans; intervention for at-risk students; retention, persistence, and success of students as identified in the College’s Strategic Plan. In collaboration with campus leadership, coordinate programs and strategies as outlined in the College’s Student Success and Support Program, Student Equity and Basic Skills Initiative Plans.
Assure the provision of a student-centered, customer-service oriented environment for the delivery of all division functions, and promote such an environment across campus.
Maintain knowledge of new developments and innovative counseling and student services practices in community colleges and higher education; recommend changes to maintain relevance of programs and services to meet student needs.
Cooperate and support college administrators and faculty on a wide range of activities including those related to enrollment management, curriculum planning, pre-and co-requisite policies and procedures, student equity, retention and persistence.
Work cooperatively with other administrators and supervisors to coordinate programs and services across the college and at all locations to meet student needs; resolve conflicts and issues within the Division and between divisions.
Participate in strategic planning for the college, the Student Services area, and the Counseling and Student Success division; collaborate with faculty and staff in setting division priorities, both short-term and long-range.
Qualifications for a Dean of Student Success and Counseling
Education and Experience: Requires a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, educational or career counseling, or related discipline; three years’ experience in counseling students in educational and career planning; and at least one year of experience in program administration or coordination. Must have sensitivity to and understanding of multi-cultural, diverse environments and college students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge/Areas of Expertise: Higher education in community colleges, including the mission of the California Community Colleges. Student Success and Support Program and Student Equity regulations and implementation strategies. Principles, practices and techniques involved in development, implementation, and evaluation of student services programs, services, plans, goals, and objectives. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned programs, projects, and operations. Technological advancements and their application to counseling and student services. Development, implementation and monitoring of budget; resource development. Effective collaboration, communication, and consensus-building techniques. Principles and practices of management, supervision and training. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Working Conditions
Required to drive to offsite locations. Move from one work area to another. Hand, wrist, and finger dexterity to operate various office machines. Lift up to 25 lbs.
Dean of Student Success and Counseling Average Salary in California
Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Julissa Leyva, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
It is an honor to share my story as an alumna of Porterville College. Graduating in 1995 with an Associate in Arts in General Education, my career has been a testament to my dedication and passion for nurturing the potential of every student. With 25 years of experience in education, I currently serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for Burton School District, where I am dedicated to inspiring and driving positive change through my leadership.
As a first-generation graduate, I struggled to navigate the college world but was fortunate to have friends and mentors who guided me. Born and raised in Porterville, my parents were farmworkers who always emphasized the importance of education. After graduating from high school in 1991, I worked full-time while attending Porterville College. Following my graduation in 1995, I continued my education at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 1999.
After teaching for four years, my principal and friends encouraged me to pursue an administrative degree. I returned to CSUB and received my Master of Arts in Education Administration in 2005. After seven years in administration, colleagues and friends motivated me to pursue a doctorate. I was accepted to the University of Southern California and received my Doctorate of Education in K-12 Urban Leadership in 2015.
My journey in education began as a 5th-grade elementary school teacher, where I discovered the profound impact one can have on families and students. This realization motivated me to pursue greater responsibilities within the educational system, transitioning from the classroom to leadership roles. Driven by a desire to make a broader impact, I moved into administration, where I have implemented district-wide programs promoting equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. By focusing on these areas, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
In my current role as Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, I am dedicated to overseeing and enhancing the educational experience and well-being of students by leading and managing a variety of student support programs. These include special education, health services, support services, counseling, and crisis intervention. I am responsible for gathering information and preparing various reports required by federal, state, or county agencies. I ensure the implementation of policies that promote equity and inclusion, maintaining compliance with all federal & state regulations. By fostering strong community and family engagement, I facilitate communication and support for student success. Additionally, I manage budgets, secure funding, and allocate resources to meet diverse student needs, while analyzing data to drive continuous improvement. My leadership ensures that staff are well-equipped through professional development, ultimately creating a positive and inclusive educational environment.
My connection to Porterville College remains strong. For over 14 years, I have served on the Porterville College Foundation Board of Directors, supporting scholarships for students. The foundation I built at Porterville College was pivotal in my career. I am always eager to give back and help guide the next generation of educators.
To current students and fellow alumni, I offer this advice: Dream big, and remember that anything is possible. Education is a lifelong journey, and every experience and person you meet contributes to your ability to make a meaningful impact. Do not let money be a barrier to attending college—there are many grants, programs, and student loans available to assist you in achieving your dreams. "When there’s a will, there’s a way." And remember, “¡Sí se puede!” Go Pirates!