This individual is responsible for developing and implementing STEM education initiatives for students and teachers.  This individual will help IMSA’s Center for Teaching and Learning achieve its goals, meet project and program objectives, and apply best practices in education across Illinois.

Educational outreach activities are facilitated by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) department within the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. CTL works to enrich science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning throughout the state of Illinois and beyond by providing research-based, practice-proven programs.

Days/Hours: Typically, M - F 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M, with some evening and weekend hours.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is committed to an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning environment. IMSA has committed to advancing equity in STEM education and representation and creating a diverse, inclusive community of global citizens who can realize their full potential, and execute our mission to advance the human condition.

This Equity and Excellence work is the intentional integration of Cultural Competence, Diversity, Equity, Equity-Minded Frame, Excellence and Inclusion into every facet of the Academy, with the understanding that it is an active and ongoing process involving structures, processes and people and not an isolated initiative.

This position will support IMSA's Diversity work by ensuring the delivery of quality, equitable, and inclusive constituent-centered support while promoting and maintaining an inclusive work environment and culture that embraces the diversity of people and perspectives collaborating at IMSA to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This individual is responsible for but not limited to:

• Research, develop and write integrative and innovative STEM curriculum
• Design and facilitate relevant professional development, including observation and mentorship, for all educators, including pre-service, in-service, student leaders, and informal educators
• Design and facilitate relevant student programming for K-12 students 
• Provide ongoing support for teachers and students involved in CTL programming
• Collaborate with other curriculum and professional development specialists to ensure comprehensive and consistent offerings
• Participate in the formal review of initiatives to evaluate impact and outcomes
• Create and sustain internal and external partnerships to promote STEM education and advance IMSA’s mission
• Represent the mission and values of IMSA at the state or national level by publishing or presenting original work
• Facilitate all aspects of program implementation which may include teaching, logistics, troubleshooting, or real-time mentoring, as needed
• Ability to work evening or weekend hours as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The required skills and experience for this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• A Master’s Degree in education or a STEM related-field
• Minimum of three years of 6-12 formal or informal teaching experience 
• Demonstrated experience developing hands-on and minds-on STEM activities
• Passion for advancing STEM teacher practice
• Working knowledge of NGSS, Common Core State Standards, scientific inquiry, and problem-based learning
• Comfort with online learning platforms and use of technology
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of individual and diverse populations
• Flexibility, self-direction, creativity, attention to detail and time management
• Ability to meet deadlines
• A valid Illinois driver’s license and an excellent driving record and the ability to travel as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with under-represented populations
• Knowledge of best practice in harnessing technology to improve education
• Experience networking in STEM organizations/ecosystems for the purpose of developing strategic partnerships
• Ability to assist in grant writing, research, marketing and recruiting
• Bi-lingual, Spanish

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. While this is generally sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity, the job also requires the ability to move and transport program materials.

COMPENSATION:

This position is a full-time, exempt, 12-month, employment-at-will position. Salary will be no less than $72,409.76 and commensurate with training and experience. As part of the State University Retirement System, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement benefits.  The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) is reciprocal with other Illinois public retirement systems such as the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois (TRS) and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, or national origin.  This policy also includes the handicapped and all disabled Vietnam era veterans.  IMSA utilizes only job-related criteria in making decisions concerning applicants and employees.