Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Coordinating Supervisor, the Program Administrator for the Howard B. (HB) Owens Science Center is responsible for planning, organizing, budgeting, and supervising the implementation of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field trip programs. Responsibilities involve monitoring the field trip schedules and supervising STEM curriculum at the HB Owens Science Center. The Program Administrator for the HB Owens Science Center will assist the Coordinating Supervisor and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in developing aligned instructional STEM programs, providing STEM related professional development, and developing a budget based on analysis of needs. Special assignments are received through conferences, written instructions, and requests from the Coordinating Supervisor.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all staff in the development and implementation of all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instructional programs;
- Manage, supervise, and evaluate effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the field trip center consistent with the philosophy, mission, values, and goals of Prince George’s County Public Schools including STEM instructional programs;
- Manage, supervise, and evaluate effective and clear procedures for a safe and orderly climate, building maintenance, program evaluation, personnel management, office operations, and emergency procedures. Ensure compliance with all laws, board policies, and civil regulations;
- Oversee daily field trip schedules for kindergarten through twelfth grade students that provide integrated STEM activities;
- Supervise the STEM instructional programs by evaluating instructional plans for the programs and observing program instruction on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and resources that integrate STEM activities consistent with research on learning and child growth and development;
- Approve and participate in Family STEM Nights and other evening or weekend community outreach activities;
- Oversee the Planetarium and the Challenger Learning Center;
- Prepare and administer the instructional budget that includes approval of instructional material purchases and special expenditures for the Challenger Learning Center;
- Maintain the HB Owens technology resources including website and computer lab;
- Promote the STEM programs of the HB Owens Science Center via the PGCPS homepage and other community broadcast;
- Collaborate and establish partnerships with local scientific or STEM related institutions in order to design timely, on-going professional development for staff and to maintain current instructional programs consistent with 21st Century skills and processes;
- Assists with planning, organization, and implementation of the Area Science Fairs;
- Conduct formal and informal observations utilizing Framework for Teaching (FfT);
- Oversee projects and other duties as designated by the Coordinating Supervisor and/or the Director; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of current trends in science education, including constructivist pedagogy, performance-based assessment, laboratory safety, and designing of science facilities;
- Demonstrated competence in developing and leading staff development sessions for teachers, principals, and parents;
- Knowledge of state standards, benchmarks, and alternative modes of assessment;
- Experience in writing and managing grants and budgets preferred;
- Thorough knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pedagogy along with current best practices required;
- Experience in leading staff development initiatives; and
- Demonstrated skill in effective human relations and in oral and written communications.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in science content area or science education and a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, secondary science education, or school administration and supervision required. Minimum of five (5) years of science teaching experience required, high school preferred and a minimum of three (3) years supervisory or specialist experience required.
Certification:
Advanced Professional
Certificate; Administration I Certificate required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Oversees and provides guidance and direction to assigned personnel.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
None.
