04/04/2006 20530

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ADVISOR 1

DEFINITION: This is responsible professional educational work in providing statewide advisory services in the development, improvement and expansion of environmental education programs at the elementary and secondary levels.

An employee in this job provides advisory and consultative services to local school districts, intermediate units and teacher preparation staffs in improving environmental education programs in Commonwealth schools. Work involves diagnosing educational problems at the local level, recommending solutions and providing assistance in improving the educational programs. Employees conduct training sessions, workshops and conferences to disseminate information on successful practices, new curriculum materials and innovative techniques and results from experimental projects in environmental education. Work involves assisting schools with curriculum planning and participation in the development or modification of curricula and curriculum materials. Work includes working with curriculum and research specialists to devise and evaluate new approaches and innovative programs in environmental education. Work also involves working in other curriculum or subject areas to provide advisory and consultative services in improving educational programs in the development or modification of curricula and curriculum materials and in resolving educational problems. In addition, employees work with other governmental and private agencies involved in environmental education-related activities to strengthen the subject area programs throughout the state. Work is performed with considerable independence and reviewed by a supervisor through periodic conferences and an evaluation of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops or participates in developing new approaches in environmental education and in pilot testing these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.

Works with local school professionals to determine specific problems with their environmental education programs and to recommend improvements.

Develops and presents in-service workshop training to local school staff to familiarize them with current, new or improved practices, techniques and resources in environmental education.

Develops or participates in conference programs and workshops to promote new developments, materials and trends in environmental education.

Assists teachers and administrators to develop curricula and curriculum materials or modify existing courses to better meet their needs and objectives.

Participates in the review of environmental education programs to introduce new concepts, methods and practices and to develop curriculum guides, course outlines and related resource materials.

Works with curriculum and research specialists in the initiation, planning and conduct of studies and projects to evaluate innovative approaches and different techniques in environmental education.

Assists school staff in developing innovative and pilot programs in environmental education and in evaluating the effectiveness of the methods, approaches or materials used.

Disseminates information on current and new practices, developments, methods, materials and innovative and pilot programs through articles in professional journals, departmental publications or other media.

Provides advice to local school staff on the criteria and procedures for obtaining federal or special funds to improve their environmental education programs or finance innovative projects.

Promotes the development of interdisciplinary programs that incorporate environmental education concepts and principles into science, social science, industrial arts, home economics or other subjects.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the current methods and trends in environmental education at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Knowledge of the role and objectives of environmental education in a child's educational development process.

Knowledge of different teaching methods and techniques in environmental education including their strengths and weaknesses with reference to children from different ages and social and cultural backgrounds.

Knowledge of the natural and social disciplines pertaining to the environment and the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development as applied to environmental education at the elementary and secondary school levels.

Knowledge of current literature, materials, equipment, research and new developments in environmental education.

Knowledge of the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of students at the elementary and secondary level related to environmental education.

Knowledge of governmental agencies and private organizations involved inenvironmental issues and problems and their role in environmental education.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communication effectively in writing.

Ability to promote different teaching methods, curriculum materials and developments and techniques in environmental education in local school and teacher preparation programs.

Ability to organize, develop and conduct in-service training for teachers, school administrators and others to familiarize them with environmental education practices, methods, materials, goals and objectives.

Ability to select significant facts in diagnosing educational problems and in developing solutions suited to the appropriate school setting and implementation capabilities.

Ability to develop curriculum materials to implement new developments and practices in environmental education appropriate for use statewide and in individual school districts.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of professional experience in environmental education, including two years of experience in public schools and one year of experience in the development and implementation of environmental education curricula or programs;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes two years of experience in public schools and one year of experience in the development and implementation of environmental education curricula or programs.