Vocational Solar Energy Technology Teacher

Instructional Solar Energy Educator

Provides a career and technical education instructional program that prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills in an entry-level position or apprenticeship in the industry or to continue into a post-secondary educational program. It involves staying informed of technological advances in solar energy and their impact on structures, materials, and systems.

Essential Functions

• Assesses the instructional requirements of students and provides orientation and instruction in solar energy career and technical education-related competencies.
• Prepares students for industry by teaching industry-recognized standards; ensures that industry standards set by The Solar Foundation are incorporated into the educational program; implements instructional activities to support the curriculum; stays informed of technological advances in the area of specialization.
• Provides training in the proper use, care and storage of hand tools, general lab/shop equipment and specialty tools and equipment related to the particular specialty; instructs students in all related safety procedures and protocols; implements and maintains a preventative safety program in lab and classroom areas consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Monitors student progress and assesses their skills according to standardized measurements.
• Participates in the development of internships and apprenticeships for students enrolled in the solar energy program; ensures that students have a variety of school and work-based experiences; oversees students in a variety of job/school sites and in transit from one location to another.
• Maintains an accurate inventory of all tools and equipment; ensures that tools and equipment are secure; disposes of all instructional equipment in accordance with District policies and federal and state regulations.
• Prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills to engage in installation, project development, manufacturing, wholesale trade and distribution, and operations and maintenance.
• Teaches students to troubleshoot and diagnose problems using solar energy equipment.
• Provides technical skills training to students to prepare for the appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Education approved end of program assessment, if applicable.
• Utilizes various instructional methods in order to motivate students and promote earning.
• Participates in the development of assigned students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPS); utilizes all accommodations as indicated on the IEPs.
• Provides and maintains an organized and safe learning environment.
• Participates in regular professional development activities to keep abreast of advances in technology, curriculum and instructional delivery techniques; remains current in all areas of the field of expertise.
• Administers industry recognized certification examinations approved by the District to students, as appropriate.
• Maintains classroom discipline.
• Maintains attendance, grade and other required records and reports, including Performance Assessment Logs; communicates student progress to parents/guardians.
• Develops and promotes student leadership, civic responsibility and citizenship through the integration of Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) activities into the curriculum; participates in CTSO conferences and competitions.
• Conducts Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) meetings at least twice annually for the purpose of aligning the solar energy career and technical education program with current industry standards; seeks recommendations for improvements to the curriculum, facilities, equipment, and safety practices.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; AND Two years of current full-time, paid experience in the field of solar energy, building energy efficiency, construction, renewable electricity, clean energy, sustainability, or a related field.
• OR Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade, AND Four years of current full-time, paid experience in the field of solar energy, building energy efficiency, construction, renewable electricity, clean energy, sustainability, or a related field.

PLEASE NOTE: Certain subjects/roles require a second step in order to determine eligibility. This includes art, dance, theater, music, world languages, and any role that is vocational/CTE, itinerant, and/or bilingual. The Recruiter who supports that subject will reach out with next steps should you meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• the solar energy industry and energy systems
• the modern methods, theories and practices in solar energy
• the materials and techniques used in solar energy
• solar design, installation, sales and economics
• building auditing, electricity fundamentals, and weatherization
• solar project management
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to solar energy projects solar maintenance and operations
• the proper care and use of tools and instruments used in solar energy
• the use of personal computers, spreadsheet and word processing software applications.

Ability to:

• select and organize curriculum content and to apply appropriate instructional methods
• implement assessment tools for effective student evaluations
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• establish effective working relationships
• obtain North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate credential within one year of hire

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Certificates//Licenses: Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Vocational/Intern Certificate in the area of Solar Energy Technology or immediate eligibility for an emergency teaching certificate.

Salary is commensurate with experience in education and educational attainment. Both prior experience and educational degree must go through the District's verification process in order for final salary to be confirmed. Please click this link to read through the process and download the verification forms for your previous employer(s) to complete.

Nondiscrimination: The School District of Philadelphia provides to all persons equal access to all categories of employment in this District, regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 104 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.