04/04/2006 20570

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ADVISOR 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational program work in the development, improvement and expansion of environmental education throughout the Commonwealth.

The employee in this job is responsible for providing leadership and guidance for the Department of Education's statewide program of advisory services in the development, expansion and improvement of environmental educational programs in Commonwealth schools. Work involves responsibility for the development, review and clarification of the role and direction of environmental education within the overall school curriculum; for establishing the short range goals and priorities for the environmental education advisory program; and for formulating the long range objectives for environmental education in the curricula of the elementary and secondary schools. The employee is responsible for planning, leading and participating in the development of environmental education curricula, standards and program guidelines for statewide application. The employee coordinates and oversees the work of curriculum and research specialists in identifying, developing and evaluating new approaches and innovative programs in environmental education. Included in the scope of this job is responsibility for functioning in a leadership capacity with other professional, paraprofessional and clerical personnel in the statewide development and improvement of environmental education. Work at this level is distinguished from the Environmental Education Advisor 1 job by the responsibility for serving as the senior departmental advisor in environmental education and for providing leadership in the initiation, planning and conduct of projects and studies in environmental education. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by an administrative supervisor through conferences, reports and an evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops objectives and definitive goals for environmental education in the Commonwealth consistent with departmental priorities and curriculum objectives.

Develops and modifies the short and long range goals and objectives for environmental education to meet the needs of schools.

Develops and interprets policies and guidelines in environmental education for the basic education community and makes recommendations for changes in policy and standards.

Develops and coordinates new approaches in environmental education and in pilot testing these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.

Plans and coordinates the development or modification of new curricula, courses and resource materials in environmental education to introduce new trends, methods and practices to local schools.

Plans, coordinates and participates in providing advisory services to educational staff in the planning, development, improvement and evaluation of environmental education curriculum programs.

Organizes and participates in conferences and workshops for the promotion of new developments and advances in environmental education programs for local school personnel, teacher preparation staff and others.

Serves as a liaison with teacher preparation institutions, certification personnel and others in teacher education to provide advice and information on unmet local school needs.

Recommends changes in legislation and certification standards for environmental education and teacher competencies to improve environmental programs.

Disseminates information on current practices and new developments, methods and materials through articles in journals, publications or other media and through participation in professional associations.

Coordinates and oversees projects funded by other state agencies, professional associations or civic organizations to promote and support improvements in environmental education.

Acts as the senior departmental specialist in providing leadership through the state in the diverse areas included within environmental education.

Works with federal, state and private agencies, organizations and foundations to obtain grants and funds for innovative and research projects.

Promotes the integration of various curriculum disciplines into interdisciplinary educational programs within local school district course offerings.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the educational philosophies as applied to the development of environmental education.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and trends in environmental education.

Knowledge of the different teaching methods and techniques in environmental education programs and of their strengths and weaknesses.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and curriculum development in environmental education.

Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques as applied to 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 current literature, trends, research and new developments in environmental education.

Knowledge of basic administrative principles and practices.

Knowledge of motivational techniques and interpersonal relationships as applied to overseeing the work of professional specialists.

Ability to apply governmental rules, regulations and procedures related to funding innovative and pilot programs in environmental education.

Ability to plan, analyze and develop goals and objectives to implement environmental educational philosophies for elementary and secondary students.

Ability to apply motivational theories and techniques in leading staff to improve and expand environmental education programs.

Ability to analyze new developments in environmental education to identify those which merit additional study for possible implementation in local school districts.

Ability to lead and participate in the development of curricula and curriculum materials to implement new developments and techniques in environmental education into elementary and secondary schools.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to plan, develop and coordinate pilot programs and research activities in environmental education.

Ability to select significant facts in diagnosing educational programs and in devising appropriate solutions.

Ability to see commonalities among varied disciplines to develop and coordinate the development of interdisciplinary curriculum programs in environmental education.

Ability to identify, organize and lead varied professional communities and organizations in support of departmental and professional objectives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as an Environmental Education Advisor 1;

                                                                                                                                               or

Five years of professional experience in environmental education, including three years of experience in public schools and two years 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 three years of experience in public schools and two years of experience in the development and implementation of environmental education curricula or programs.