The University is seeking an innovative, effective leader to direct its Science and Mathematics Teaching Center. The SMTC is an intercollegiate, interdisciplinary unit delivering programs committed to excellence in science, mathematics, and technology education. The SMTC's work is carried out by affiliate faculty drawn from the Colleges of Education, Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. SMTC affiliate faculty collaborate with leaders from public schools; state and federal government; business and community groups; and professional organizations, to create and execute on-campus and in-service programs, conferences, and professional development activities aimed at improving K-12 mathematics, science, and technology teaching and learning in Wyoming.
These programs include Master’s degree offerings in science education and mathematics education for teachers, and in experiential environmental education. Programs leverage university-wide, nationally recognized expertise in energy, environment and natural resource education. The SMTC currently has two major NSF grants and is interested in continued grant development. More information about the SMTC can be found at: http://www.uwyo.edu/smtc.
The Director of the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center has multiple roles, including leading interdisciplinary, cross-campus initiatives related to P-16 mathematics and science education, teaching graduate courses, developing STEM education-related grant proposals, and coordinating and advising the SMTC graduate programs. Program leadership, staff management, and focus on innovation and growth opportunities for the Center are expected roles for the director. The director also engages in collaborative activities with other UW units such as the School of Energy Resources, the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, the Robert and Carol Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center, and Wyoming EPSCoR, as well as non-UW entities such as the Teton Science Schools and school districts throughout the state. Forthcoming collaborative opportunities include initiatives in the UW/NCAR Computational Sciences project.
Qualifications: Candidates must: hold an earned doctorate in mathematics education, science education, or a related doctorate with significant work experience in science education or mathematics education; be eligible to hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor; provide evidence of positive leadership and interpersonal skills; have a recent and relevant record of obtaining extramural funding; have a strong record of scholarship and research; provide evidence of teaching excellence; provide evidence of interdisciplinary cooperation and collaboration among a broad range of educational and community interests; and have experience working with K-12 mathematics or science educators. Preferred qualifications for a candidate in mathematics education include: professional development experience focused on improving the quality of K-12 mathematics education; expertise in computational science; and/or expertise in quantitative reasoning. Preferred qualifications for a candidate in science education include: professional development experience focused on improving the quality of K-12 science education; and expertise in energy and/or environmental education. We are particularly interested in applicants with ethnically diverse backgrounds.
The University of Wyoming is a doctoral/research, Internet II, Division I-A, land-grant university with more than 13,000 students enrolled in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs on and off campus. The only four-year, state university in Wyoming, UW is located in Laramie, a city of 27,000 nestled on the high plains between two ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The campus is a two-hour drive north of Denver, Colorado. Clean air, open spaces, abundant blue sky, a strong state budget with one of the lowest state tax structures in the nation, and proximity to numerous national parks, recreational areas, and forests are among the special fringe benefits. Additional information may be found on the UW web page at www.uwyo.edu/smtc, www.uwyo.edu, and www.laramie.org.
The University of Wyoming is committed to diversity and endorses principles of affirmative action. We acknowledge that diversity enriches and sustains our scholarship and promotes equal access to our educational mission. We seek and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2011 and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is August 2012. Applications must include: (1) Letter of application addressing interest in the position and qualifications, (2) Curriculum vitae, and (3) Contact information for five references. Email completed applications in a single PDF document to Dr. Alan Buss, abuss@uwyo.edu, with the subject heading, “SMTC Director Search.”
