Instructors

Training Instructors

At MFT&E we believe one of our primary efforts should be training individuals for work as fire service instructors. We devote considerable effort and resources to this strategy because we believe it is the most effective and efficient way to improve fire protection for Maine's citizens and ensure the safety of firefighters while on the job.

This program offers experienced firefighters the opportunity to become certified fire instructors thus preparing them to work with local departments as training officers, regional fire attack school instructors, and state academy adjunct instructors, as well as for work with Maine Fire Training state fire instructors.

Being a fire service instructor is a great challenge with great rewards. If you are sincerely interested in improving fire service delivery in Maine by becoming a fire instructor be prepared to devote considerable time and effort. First an explanation of the difference between a State Fire Instructor (SFI) and a Certified Fire Instructor (CFI).

The difference between an SFI and a CFI

A CFI is an individual who is employed by a fire-rescue agency and who has completed, at a minimum, the following requirements: minimum 3 years of fire service experience, successfully completed MFT&E's 3-credit, 45-hour, fire instructor college-level course (or its equivalent).

A CFI should be recognized internally by the response agency (AHJ) to which he or she belongs. Additionally, the instructor must be recommended by their fire chief to teach a particular course and recognized and requested by the fire chief in the city or town where the course will be taught. All fire instructors should utilize a written lesson plan and not deviate from that plan. Fire instructors are also responsible for maintaining written documentation of any training performed. Southern Maine Community College & MFTE utilize "progress charts" that are recognized by the Bureau of Labor. These documents are available for download on the website. (need link) To be recognized as a CFI does not require that the individual be placed under contract by SMCC / MFTE. After completion of an internal class or course (not funded through SMCC / MFTE), the CFI can send a full set of progress charts to the office of the Curriculum & Certification Program Manager requesting that "course completion cards" be returned to the CFI for signature and distribution to the class. SMCC only issues "Certificates" for programs that meet NFPA standards such as: Fire Fighter I & II (NFPA 1001) and Fire Officer I (NFPA 1021).

SMCC / MFTE currently issues about 180 annual contracts to CFI's to assist with the training & evaluation of fire fighters across the state. If you have interest in joining the ranks of the SMCC / MFTE fire instructors you must contact your District Supervisor and work through him to gain support to be added to the cadre. If you are recommended by your District Supervisor required to submit a resume with cover letter sent to the attention of the Administrative Deputy. The Administrative Deputy will work with the District Supervisor to reach a decision concerning hiring. If selected you will be issued a hiring packet that must be completed with the assistance of your District Supervisor and returned to Southern Maine Community College.

There are only two windows of opportunity for hiring. One in the spring, early May and then again in the late fall, November. Southern Maine Community College / Maine Fire Training & Education will not entertain issuing contracts outside of those open enrollment / hiring windows. There are currently no openings for CFI positions at SMCC.

A State Fire Instructor is an individual who works directly for Southern Maine Community College and Maine Fire Training & Education, a division of SMCC, as a part-time position employee who is issued an annual contract. While a SFI must meet the same requirements as a CFI, they also must meet other requirements (i.e., apply for a vacant position, pass a written exam, pass a physical assessment, pass a peer review evaluation of practical training, pass an oral review board, and have five years of fire service experience). MFT&E also requires the SFI to complete 24 hours of peer evaluation as a student teacher and to adhere to organizational policy and procedures.

MFT&E's budget allocation only allows for a limited number of SFI positions. In addition, MFT&E ranks its core of instructors by three levels of experience (levels I, II, and III). MFT&E Level-III instructors are qualified to teach, develop lesson plans, develop new curriculum, evaluate curriculum, and evaluate instructors. From the core of Level-II and Level-III instructors, MFT&E appoints District Supervisors to oversee and mentor local instructors.

Maine Fire Training & Education encourages professional development by all State Fire Instructors (SFI) and will assist them in their pursuit by providing the reimbursement of expenses and professional development time. There are three course opportunities at the NFA that would allow SFI's to advance in through the MFTE promotional system (probationary, Instructor I, II & III) by attending the program and successful completion. Instructors who are interested in attending one of the listed courses should make contact through the NFA Admissions department immediately!

Certified Fire Instructor: Fire Instructor-I

Prerequisites and requirements:

• Fire service member for at least 3 years.

• Complete a college-level course in instructional methodology.

Instructors who are successful will be added to the qualified master data base of fire instructors that SMCC / MFT&E is in the process of constructing.

Once you have achieved recognition as a CFI, what can you do? You are eligible to be added to MFT&E's database of qualified instructors. This will mean you may be offered a position at Southern Maine Community College and MFT&E if recommended by your District Supervisor and there are openings available. If so, then a contract recognizing you as a CFI would be issued and you would receive payment from Southern Maine Community College for those courses that you are assigned to teach. As a CFI your addition to the qualified fire instructor data base will allow you to be utilized at regional fire attack schools. You will be able to use MFT&E curriculum and to issue MFT&E completion cards to students.

If you are interested in becoming a fire service instructor, contact the Curriculum & Certification Program Manager at 741-5660.

Vacancies exist in NFA courses at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Click here for the most recent list of vacancies. You may also refer to the Internet at www.usfa.fema.gov for more information, or contact the Admissions Office via email

netc-admissions@dhs.gov

or by phone at (301) 447-1035.

Completed applications may be faxed to

(301) 447-1441. If interested, apply immediately!

Note: The NFA policy of only 1 stipend-supported trip per fiscal year remains. However, a qualified individual may seek to participate without stipend assistance. PLEASE INDICATE with your application that you are aware of this restriction when you apply for the course.