Education & Professional Development Committee
Mission
The purpose of the Education & Professional Development Committee is to provide a vehicle for PaMAGIC to educate communities, governments, and corporations in the development of Geographic Information Systems/Science (GIS and GIScience, respectively) and GIS data, and to be an advocate and voice for geospatial education within the state. This committee will also focus on Diversity, Equity, or Inclusivity (DEI) issues in geospatial education. Additionally, the committee will facilitate networking, advocating for continuing education opportunities, and compiling a yearly status report on the current geospatial industry and projected trends.
Responsibilities
- Understand trends in the academic sector.
- Establish and maintain a network of educators.
- Run the PA GIS Student Map and Poster Competition.
- Maintain and run the K – 12 ESRI AGOL State Competition.
- Communicate findings on educational GIS programs throughout the state.
- Provide information to the Board on trends and professional development opportunities.
Goals and Tasks
- Build and maintain a Geospatial Technology Community of K – 12, Community Colleges, 4 year Colleges and Universities, educators, and nontraditional education programs.
- Evaluate and publish findings on the Current State of K-12 GIS Education Programs Throughout Pennsylvania
- Recommend and support positive changes towards/for K-12 GIS Education Programs Throughout Pennsylvania
- Work with educators at all levels to develop programs to Support the creation and continued growth of K-12 GIS Education Programs Throughout Pennsylvania
- Work with DEI experts to review, distinguish, and understand current DEI issues in geospatial education, and develop, recommend, and implement solutions.
- Establish a basic GIS literacy curriculum for personnel who are not familiar with GIS to become comfortable using the various products provided to them by GIS practitioners.
- Evaluate current geospatial industry and issue a description on projected trends and new technologies.
- List of skills geospatial professional should look to learn or hone to continue their professional development.
- Provide membership with opportunities to learn about new and/or alternative solutions for working with geospatial data, including datasets, software, and solutions.
- Review post-baccalaureate programs and provide a list of options for professionals looking to continue their education.
- Provide guidance and support for GISP applicants.
Committee Members
Co-Chairs
- Joella Schultz
- Nettie Ginocchetti
- Sarah Baughman
- Susan Lucas
Members
- Andrew Barron
- Daniel Stevens
- Jake Buck
- James W. Luma
- Joe Livoti