Education Council
Terms of Reference

Updated May 2007

Purpose

The Education Council is the primary forum for discussing ideas and proposals for NOAA's education activities and priorities. In conjunction with NOAA's Office of Education, the Council develops and monitors the implementation of NOAA's Strategic Plan for Education and makes recommendations to NOAA management on all aspects of NOAA's educational activities.

Membership

Council members represent NOAA's Line Offices and Staff Offices, including special representation for Offices whose education activities are specifically authorized by statute.

• Chair: Director of Education
  
• Vice Chair: Deputy Director, Office of Education
  
• Executive Secretariat: Office of Education
  

Principal members include:

• Director, Educational Partnership Program with Minority-Serving Institutions, OEd
  
• National Education Coordinator, National Marine Sanctuary Program, NOS
• Education Program Leader, National Sea Grant Program, NOAA Research
• National Education Coordinator, National Estuarine Research Reserve Program, NOS
• National Education Coordinator, Ocean Exploration Program, NOAA Research
• National Education Coordinator, NOAA Corals Program
• Education and Teacher at Sea Program Manager, NOAA Marine & Aviation Operations
• NOAA Research (At Large)
• National Ocean Service (At Large)
• NOAA Fisheries (At Large)
• National Weather Service (At Large)
• NOAA Satellites & Information (At Large)

Advisors include:

• Director, NOAA Central Library
• Strategic Planning Specialist, Office of Program Planning & Integration
• Strategic Planning Specialist, Office of Program Analysis & Evaluation
• Legislative Affairs
• Office of Communications

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 consensus (i.e., no one votes “thumbs down” on an issue). 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.