Coordinator of Science & Environmental Literacy (Education Program Specialist I)

The Coordinator of Science and Environmental Literacy will support MSDE's effort in implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and its multi-year Strategic Plan. This position provides highly effective, evidence-based program and initiative development and implementation leadership support aligned to the Maryland Next Generation Science Standards, Environmental Literacy Standards and Early Learning Standards to accelerate student achievement across local education agencies (LEAs) and early learning environments. The position supports the Director of Science to develop, facilitate, and assess the effectiveness of ongoing, high-quality professional learning and technical assistance and works closely with LEA staff, formal and informal environmental literacy educators, and institutes of higher learning to build the capacity to develop, interpret, and implement best in class science, environmental literacy programs and initiatives, courses, instructional frameworks, curricula and assessments, and innovations to accelerate student achievement, and narrow and close opportunity and achievement gaps for historically disadvantaged students. RESPONSIBILITIES Supports the Director of Science in developing and facilitating high effective, evidence-based professional learning explicitly designed to accelerate student achievement, especially for under-performing schools across the state. Coordinates the development, implementation, and facilitation of high-quality, evidence-based professional learning, including in-person, virtual, and asynchronous formats. Demonstrates and applies knowledge of evidence-based science and environmental education strategies, content, lab safety practices, assessments, and pedagogy in the development of professional learning. Supports and collaborates with MSDE Divisions and Offices on cross- functional initiatives and programs related to science and environmental literacy. Collaborates with communities and organizations to develop, implement, and analyze programs and strategies to scale students participation in STEM and environmental aligned college and career readiness pathways, such as through dual enrollment, advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, and early college high school programs. Ensures alignment of professional learning to Maryland standards, frameworks, policies, and regulations. Facilitates and manages data collection, program monitoring and implementation, continuous improvement, and engagement initiatives and special projects. Develops and implements evidence-based science and environmental literacy programs, initiatives, guidance, policy, high-quality publications and technical assistance that communicate complex educational concepts and accelerate student achievement and district staff. Supports LEA educators, administrators by providing evidence-based technical assistance to support implementation of professional learning, instruction, assessments, and science and environmental literacy programs. EDUCATION A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in education, education administration, professional learning, curriculum, school leadership or a related area from an accredited college or university. EXPERIENCE Five years of administrative or teaching experience in managing and leading Science, Environmental, and/or STEM programs or related programs in prekindergarten through 12 settings. Qualified Substitutions Candidates may substitute a bachelor’s degree with 7 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the minimum qualifications noted above. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience with teaching and evaluating Science and Environmental Literacy programs and curriculum. Experience integrating college and career readiness pathways, standards, trends, regulations, policies, and issues related to science fields of study. Experience implementing, monitoring, and evaluating Science education programs and facilitating professional learning at the district and/or school based level. Experience developing and producing high-quality written reports, guidance documents, or public-facing communications. Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr