Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist (Computer Science focused) - Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

This individual is responsible for developing and implementing STEM education initiatives for students and teachers with a particular focus on computer science. The Curriculum and Professional Development team is responsible for developing and implementing STEM education initiatives for students and educators throughout Illinois and beyond, including providing support for IMSA staff including faculty. Educator Innovation activities work 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. This individual will help Educator Innovation achieve its goals, meet project and program objectives and apply best practice.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10–12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry.

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:

• Following the trends of computer science theory that have the potential to impact teaching and learning such as: working with mathematical models, data analysis and security, algorithms, and computational theory etc…
• Research, develop and write integrative and innovative STEM curriculum
• Design and facilitate relevant professional development for all educators (pre-service, in-service, informal educators & IMSA staff including faculty)
• Collaborating with the Education Outreach team, the Center for Innovation and Inquiry, and IMSA staff, including faculty, on the integration of STEM content with the most appropriate technologies
• Creating and conducting professional development programs for educators across the state and beyond
• Publishing and presenting original work at regional and national education conference
• Collaborating with IMSA faculty and leadership to promote IMSA’s core competencies in all curricular work
• Creating and sustaining internal and external partnerships to promote STEM education and advance IMSA’s mission
• 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 K-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
• 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
• Comfort with online learning platforms and use of technology
• 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 $70,232.55 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.