EcoRise inspires a new generation of leaders to design a sustainable future for all. Our school-based program empowers more than 100,000 youth each year to tackle real-world challenges in their schools and communities by teaching eco-literacy, design, and social innovation.
Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS) facilitates outdoor learning by partnering directly with teachers and providing cross-curricular academic programming in gardens and green spaces on campuses throughout the Austin area. PEAS lessons are focused on science, the environment, and nutrition, and are often cross-curricular in nature.
Position Overview
EcoRise and PEAS seek a flexible, self-driven professional to provide comprehensive sustainability education and nature-based resources to schools across the Austin area. This one-year, full time position is funded through an innovative partnership between EcoRise and PEAS which requires an educator with a broad skill set who can effectively support preK-12 teachers, design and facilitate professional development, foster community partnerships, and lead nature-based outdoor lessons on multiple campuses. EcoRise and PEAS serve many of the same schools and school districts and believe that collaboration maximizes impact and allows both organizations to more effectively inspire conservation and a new generation of green leaders.
The Education Specialist will work primarily with EcoRise during the summer of 2019 and alternate weeks during the school-year between preparing for and delivering lessons for PEAS one week, and managing EcoRise’s Austin area programs the next week. The Education Specialist will report to the EcoRise Program Director and the PEAS Executive Director.
Primary Responsibilities
Recruit Austin-area preK-12 teachers to participate in EcoRise Programs, including Sustainable Intelligence and PBL Academy.
Design and facilitate leading-edge professional development through customized, face-to-face trainings.
Connect with teachers via email, phone, and in-person visits to support the implementation of EcoRise lessons and resources.
Support teachers and students in applying for Eco-Audit Grants, both virtually and in-person. Review applications, provide feedback, and fund student-designed sustainability projects.
Organize and host regional Student Innovation Showcases where student teams present their work to their peers, community partners, and green professionals.
Monitor, measure, and evaluate program impact using pre- and post- surveys, focus groups, classroom visits, and rubrics for student projects.
Lead garden related or environmental science lessons and activities with pre-K through 5th grade students in gardens or outdoor spaces on school campuses while collaborating on planning of lessons and programs with PEAS’ staff members.
Participate in and support community events relating to environmental education and sustainability and serve as a liaison between schools, school communities, PEAS, and EcoRise.
Support EcoRise programs nationwide, as necessary.
Skills and Qualifications
Required
3 years teaching experience in a core content area or CTE classroom, K-12.
Experience implementing Problem-Based Learning.
Fluency with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
Must have a personal vehicle, be willing to travel an estimated 5-10 days per month, and work occasional nights and weekends.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Self-driven personality with effective project management skills; attentive to details with keen aptitude for organization.
Strong computer literacy skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive and Apps.
Must be able to lift a minimum of 40lbs and be comfortable engaging in physical activity and teaching outdoors in all types of weather.
Preferred
Experience with instructional coaching, as well as designing and facilitating teacher professional development.
Proficiency with Salesforce and Canvas Learning Management System.
Bilingual: Spanish preferred.
Experience teaching outdoors.
Timeline and Compensation
One-year, full time position beginning June 1st, 2019 with the possibility for extension. Salary range is $45,000 - $55,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Includes excellent benefits and flexible work schedule.
EcoRise and PEAS are Equal Opportunity Employers and strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ identified people, gender-nonconforming people, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English.