Licensure Counsel I

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.  

The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), Commissioner, and DESE staff on issues of education law, policy, and administration; works with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; and oversees the Office of Professional Practice Investigations (OPPI).  The Legal Office works together with all policy units to implement DESE’s Educational Vision (https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/vision/), which provides:

Our educational vision document describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s aspiration – our vision – for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved.

The Licensure Counsel I position in the Legal Office will join the OPPI team of lawyers and investigators who investigate alleged misconduct by applicants for licensure and licensees. Lawyers will prosecute these cases in administrative adjudicatory hearings, negotiate settlements, and carry out other related duties. 

The Licensure Counsel I reports to a Licensure Counsel III and works closely with the Deputy General Counsel and the Associate Commissioner of Investigations. The Licensure Counsel I investigates alleged misconduct by licensed educators and applicants for a Massachusetts Educator License; evaluates the evidence and circumstances of the alleged misconduct; prepares memoranda regarding relevant facts, applicable law, and disciplinary options; and represents Educator Licensure and OPPI in administrative adjudicatory proceedings before the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee, including the Division of Administrative Law Appeals. The Licensure Counsel I also assists in providing guidance to school and district leaders in the areas of student protection and educator development, consistent with DESE regulations and applicable federal and state laws. 

The selected candidate will perform the following duties: 

• in conjunction with the Associate Commissioner of Investigations and the OPPI team, investigate and evaluate allegations of misconduct by licensed educators; determine whether an investigatory subpoena is necessary; interview witnesses; gather and review available evidence; research applicable law and consult with relevant experts; and coordinate with school districts and law enforcement agencies, investigatory and prosecutorial staff of the Attorney General and District At