josh kirby

Public education is fueled by data, and special education services generate even more data than the typical curriculum. My primary duties with the NCSD was to administrate the SEAS (Special Education Automation System) Database, support the 500+ educators and specialists who rely on SEAS for current IEP (Individualized Education Program) documentation for each of their students, and then to process and analyze the special education data to answer questions directly related to school performance and district/state funding. When needed, I also provided technical support for Apple computers and devices and for Google Apps.

In this administrative role I was charged to research, consult about, and provide administrative guidance to the Ohio 4-H community for matters relating to programming for older youth and overall 4-H camp programs and operations. I catalyzed new educational youth programs, facilitated professional teams, advised teenage 4-H members for state level youth initiatives, and managed program professionals, volunteers, and finances.

This consultancy provided contract-based educational youth program research, design, facilitation, and evaluation. I oversaw company's formation, marketing, and start-up operations. I ended the company once I was hired as a full-time extension specialist with the Ohio 4-H program (which was virtually another form of consulting).

Coordinated the online course development efforts of 10 graduate faculty members and affiliated staff for two master's degree programs (22 courses total); Responsibilities included program creation strategy development and implementation, course material design consultation, program delivery administration, Web-based content management system (CMS) administration and support, and supervision of support staff

As the Youth Leadership Development Coordinator I developed and implemented environmental and outdoor education programs for young people age 6 to 18.

My role in the Digital Preservation Department of the Penn State Libraries was to support the development of a preserved content management system, and to perform digital preservation duties as necessary.

My mission in the volunteer role of the Chief of Staff for Program is to operationalize the vision of our team of program area leads into an actionable delivery of program experiences for the 33,000+ Scouts and volunteers who will attend this quadrennial event of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. I directly interface with more than 200 leads and ultimately connect with more than 5,000 program delivery staff members to coordinate and synchronize planning, preparation, and implementation activity across more than 140 unique program activities.

Throughout my time as a graduate student at Penn State University I accumulated a 3.96 GPA (out of 4, receiving two A-minuses) across over 120 graduate credits while completing my Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and M.S. in Educational Psychology in the College of Education. I also worked in a variety of half-time research assistantships, providing support to individual faculty members and entire departments, and eventually those opportunities led to program management roles at the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center and the Penn State School of Graduate Professional Studies.

I have been fortunate to apply my background in learning design, educational program administration, and youth development research to the programs and initiatives of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The BSA has been a community of friendship, personal growth, and community service for me since 1986. I have served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles with the organization since 2007. My emphasis has been work with committees and task forces focused on youth leadership development, program design, and large event management. Recent roles have included service to the National Youth Development Committee, the Educational Relationships Task Force, National Scout Jamboree, and World Scout Jamboree.

As an assistant professor on the faculty I hold a primary leadership role with the Learning, Design, and Technology Online Programs offered by the Learning and Performance Systems Department in the College of Education. I have management, development, and teaching responsibilities for the current and future courses and programs. And I most value my opportunity to recruit and advise our students throughout their graduate education experience with our programs.