Instructor Training at Clackamas Community College Prepares New Solar Educators for Success

Remote Energy recently partnered with the Oregon Solar Energy Education Fund (OSEEF) to host a solar instructor training workshop at Clackamas Community College. The workshop welcomed five new instructors, each gaining essential skills to teach solar energy concepts to a diverse and expanding workforce. This collaboration underscores Remote Energy’s specialized approach to instructor training and its commitment to diversifying the solar industry.

The training extended beyond just technical expertise. While the instructors already had significant experience in PV installation, the emphasis was on honing their teaching methods. Remote Energy prioritized learner-centered approaches, equipping the new instructors with strategies to engage students at their own level and empower them to take charge of their own learning process.

A key part of the training involved hands-on co-teaching experiences. In the mornings, instructors worked in pairs to lead classroom sessions covering core solar concepts. In the afternoons, students engaged in practical labs, gaining direct experience with PV systems. This approach allowed new instructors to refine their teaching methods while learning to accommodate varied learning styles and establish clear expectations.

Collaboration was a central theme throughout the program. Instructors met online prior to the workshop to align their strategies, and daily feedback sessions allowed them to continuously improve. The final day included group reflections and one-on-one follow-ups. 

Remote Energy’s focus on instructor training is part of its broader mission to build a diverse and skilled solar workforce. Since 2021, RE has partnered with the OSEEF to ensure that Oregon’s solar workforce is inclusive, innovative, and ready for the future.