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Teacher, Solar Energy Program

School District of Philadelphia |

Title:   Teacher, Solar Energy Program

Department:   Career and Technical Education

Reports To:    School Principal

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

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. 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
  • 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
  • Teaches students to troubleshoot and diagnose problems using solar energy
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • Two years of current full-time, paid experience in the field of solar energy, building energy efficiency, renewable electricity or clean energy.

OR

  • Completion of a specialized post-secondary solar technical training program from an accredited trade/technical school, plus
  • Four years of current full-time, paid experience in the field of solar energy, building energy efficiency, renewable electricity or clean energy.

OR

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or
  • Four years full-time current full-time, paid experience teaching post-secondary courses at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in solar energy, building energy efficiency, renewable electricity or clean energy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Demonstrated knowledge of:
    • the solar energy industry and energy
    • the modern methods, theories and practices in solar
    • the materials and techniques used in solar
    • solar design, installation, sales and
    • building auditing, electricity fundamentals, and
    • solar project
    • the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to solar energy
    • solar maintenance and
    • the proper care and use of tools and instruments used in solar
    • the use of personal computers, spreadsheet and word processing software
  • Ability to:
    • select and organize curriculum content and to apply appropriate instructional
    • implement assessment tools for effective student
    • communicate effectively, both orally and in
    • establish effective working
    • 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.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District’s commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.

Certificates/Licenses

  • Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Career and Technical Intern or Career and Technical Instructional Certificate for the area of Solar Energy Technology or immediate eligibility for an Emergency Teaching Permit

Application Process

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is collaborating with The School District of Philadelphia to recruit for this position. If you are interested in this opening, please send your resume to jobs@philaenergy.org. The subject line must include “[FirstName LastName] Solar Teacher.” PEA will complete an initial screening. The School District of Philadelphia will reach out directly if you are selected for an interview.

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