Vocational Solar Energy Technology Teacher

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

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. Thisincludes 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