Position: Instructional Specialist - Environmental Literacy

Position Summary:

The Instructional Specialist - Environmental Literacy, K-12, works under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor of Environmental Education, in the creation, implementation and monitoring of programs and initiatives developed to support environmental education and the Environmental Literacy Standards.  The Instructional Specialist will provide educational leadership to the staff, schools and community partners. The Instructional Specialist - Environmental Literacy will assist the Instructional Supervisor in executing administrative responsibilities as required, developing aligned curriculum documents, providing professional development for staff, and developing a budget based on analysis of needs. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assisting the Instructional Supervisor in leading and implementing a cohesive environmental education program;
• Developing and coordinating with staff current and new program initiatives (Examples: Green Schools, Environmental Studies Academy, targeted School Outreach, First Grade Outdoor Classroom);
• Coordinating support for schools with their implementation of on-site environmental instructional programs;
• Providing information and coordinating support for schools that apply for Maryland Green School status;
• Coordinating the process for submission of grant applications by Prince Georges County Schools that support and enhance environmental education opportunities for students and staff;
• Coordinating the enhancement of the William S. Schmidt Center web site so as to become a “one stop center” for students, teachers, administrators and parents on information that supports environmental education;
• Assisting in the monitoring and maintaining the operation, apparatus and facilities of the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center;
• Working with partners to develop greater collaboration with PGCPS as it relates to providing enhanced learning opportunities for students, teachers and administrators in the area of environmental education;
• Assisting with data collection and reporting for MSDE Environmental Literacy requirements;
• Coordinating and assisting with special projects and activities associated with Environmental Education and the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center programs;
• Coordinating and assisting with summer programming;
• Working with the staff in facilitating and coordinating the on-site residential program at the Outdoor Education Center;
• Assisting and coordinating professional development opportunities for staff , teachers, and administrators;
• Assisting in the formal and informal observation process for teachers;
• Assessing in developing a budget that is in line with the current and new programs at Schmidt; school and classroom needs as relates to the Environmental Education Program and student achievement;
• Representing the Instructional Supervisor when not available; and
• All other duties as assigned by the Instructional Supervisor of Environmental Education or Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Qualifications:

• Ability to plan, implement, coordinate, and monitor programs at the Schmidt Center;
• Collect and analyze data regarding Schmidt Programs and develop next steps;
• Demonstrates superior knowledge of pedagogy as it relates to best practices in environmental science program implementation and development;
• Background knowledge of new instructional initiatives such as Common Core, STEM, and Next Generation Science Standards, benchmarks, and alternative modes of assessment;
• Thorough knowledge of the MSDE Environmental Literacy Standards and rubric by which their implementation will be assessed;
• Ability to relate positively with teachers, central office personnel and the general public;
• Experience in operating standard office equipment and office software including database, spreadsheet, web page development, etc.;
• Ability to interact effectively with students, teachers, and parents;
• Communicate effectively both in written and oral form with diverse groups;
• Excellent written communication;
• Maintains accurate financial and attendance records; and
• Possesses superior public speaking abilities.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree required, course work or experience in environmental education, outdoor education, science, or social studies preferred; Master’s Degree required with an emphasis in the area of administration or supervision, or elementary or secondary school curriculum and instruction. Minimum three years classroom teaching experience.

Certification:

Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).  Should complete Framework for Teaching (FFT) Certification within eight months of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Evaluates and supervises Schmidt staff in absence of Instructional Supervisor.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to be outside during outdoor classroom activities, monitor and coordinate activities by walking the sloping terrain of the 450 acre campus.

Additional Information:

None.