The College of Education at East Carolina University is seeking applications and nominations for an eminent science education scholar for the position of Taft Chair in Science Education. Although preference will be given to science educators, individuals from all STEM disciplines will be considered. The Endowed Chair is a full-time faculty appointment, initially for a three-year period that is renewable. The selected candidate may be considered for appointment to a tenure-track, faculty position based on qualifications presented. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications.
The Elizabeth and Thomas F. Taft Sr. Endowed Chair in Science Education will be charged with developing and providing leadership in support of K-16 STEM Education in eastern North Carolina schools and at East Carolina University. A major role of the Endowed Chair will be to contribute to the development of and serve as Executive Director for a newly formed STEM Education Center that would strengthen the collaborative relationships among K-12 schools in the region and STEM university faculty in education, arts and sciences, technology and computer science, and medicine. In this regard, the goals of the STEM Education Center would include (a) establishing continuing relationships with STEM-oriented businesses and industries, K-16 educators, and community leaders in eastern North Carolina, (b) working collaboratively to secure funding from federal agencies and private foundations to improve the quality of K-16 STEM education and STEM workforce development and (c) promoting an educational environment in the region that nurtures STEM education for K-16 students, including preparation and instruction for future student employment in STEM professions or teacher preparation for K-12 STEM education. Additionally, the STEM Education Center would serve as a regional clearinghouse for STEM teacher professional development and for dissemination of information to the public regarding STEM Center activities.
Minimum Qualifications: Terminal degree (PhD, EdD) in a STEM, STEM education, or related field from an accredited institution and/or equivalent exemplary experience; a distinguished record of scholarship in either a STEM or STEM education discipline; a record of obtaining funding in support of research/development projects in STEM or STEM education; and evidence of serving effectively in leadership roles involving collaboration with STEM or STEM education university faculty and/or STEM businesses and industries.
Candidates must submit the following documents online at http://www.jobs.ecu.edu: (1) a letter of application describing academic background, specific skills, and experiences relevant to the position, (2) an "agenda" outlining how the candidate would approach the design and operation of the proposed STEM Education Center; (3) at least 3-4 examples of scholarly work relevant to the position, and (4) a current vitae. Candidates must also submit: (1) an unofficial copy of all transcripts and (2) three current letters of recommendation specific to the position to: Dr. Frank Crawley, Chair of the Taft Endowed Chair Search Committee, 342 Flanagan Building, Department of Mathematics, Science, and Instructional Technology Education, College of Education, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858.
The expected starting date for this position is August 13, 2012.
