About the Education Council

Supporting a community of NOAA educators

At Education Council meetings, NOAA educators and partners share projects and activities, get feedback, and make connections. 

A photo of a pilot talking to a group of elementary students in front of a plane.
Lt. Col. Keith Gibson interacts with students from Gilchrist Elementary School during the Tallahassee Hurricane Awareness Tour. (403rd Public Affairs)
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Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference describe the guiding principles of the Education Council. They were last updated in 2017.

Purpose

The Education Council is the primary forum for discussing ideas and proposals for NOAA's education activities and priorities. The Education Council: 

  • Provides advice and counsel to the Under Secretary on matters pertaining to education
  • Coordinates education activities across NOAA
  • Ensures that NOAA’s education programs and activities are based on NOAA-related science
  • Works with external partners to promote education efforts that directly and indirectly benefit the NOAA mission

In conjunction with NOAA's Office of Education, the Council develops and monitors the implementation of the Education Strategic Plan and makes recommendations to NOAA leadership on all aspects of NOAA's educational activities. This includes the development of any relevant documents and reports in support of these activities.  

Roles and responsibilities

NOAA's Office of Education serves as the Executive Secretariat for the NOAA Education Council by scheduling meetings, developing agendas based on input from Council members, and keeping records of proceedings. The Council meets monthly, or as needed. The Council may authorize the formation of task-specific working groups.

Council Members contribute to the development of recommendations through discussion at meetings, review of materials, and participation in working groups.

Decision making process

Decisions will be accomplished by voting. Each council member can vote in favor, against or request additional discussion. The Chair will strive for consensus on every issue. The Chair maintains 51% of the vote, therefore the final decision is made by the Chair when consensus is not achieved.

New membership criteria

New voting Council members must:

  • Represent sustained, significant education programs
  • Demonstrate a high level of education capacity (with steady, documented history and/or budget continuity)
  • Bring a capability that benefits the Education Council and broader NOAA community
  • Have support from appropriate NOAA leadership
  • Spend a significant portion of time dedicated to education
  • Represent programs that support the NOAA Education Strategic Plan
  • Agree to implement the NOAA Education Monitoring and Evaluation System

Contact

For more information on the Education Council, please contact education@noaa.gov.