Subject: Integrated Science Education Position at Michigan State University
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Center for Integrative Studies in General Science (CISGS) administered by the College of Natural Science is seeking a fixed term faculty instructor/scholar to participate in the ongoing priority initiative of providing high-quality science education to future teachers and non-STEM majors. Our goal as related to this position is to continue to provide outstanding science teaching of undergraduate students in the teacher education program.
In support of these efforts, CISGS is seeking faculty candidates with primary interests in science education at the undergraduate level. The successful candidate will be involved with integrated science education (ISE) courses that serve the needs of future K-12 teachers as well as graduate students intending to teach college science and math. The individual will collaborate with other instructors in CISGS to address the needs of pre-service K-12 teachers to develop proficiency in three-dimensional (core ideas, practices, and crosscutting concepts) science learning aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards for K12 Education (NGSS). Duties will include implementing the preexisting curriculum in ISE courses; participating in the development and evaluation of ISE courses, and coordinating a certification program in college science and mathematics teaching designed for graduate students.
The initial duration of the appointment will be one academic year (9 months) with the expectation of continuing renewal based on satisfactory performance. Responsibilities will include teaching ISE courses, one of which is taken by graduate students planning to teach college science. The teaching load will typically be two to three sections per semester, depending on engagement in other efforts. Additionally, optional opportunities will exist to participate in ongoing curricular reform efforts, build and deliver online courses, collaborate with researchers engaged in cutting-edge research in disciplinary-based science education including infusing three-dimensional learning in undergraduate courses for STEM majors, and develop and teach summer semester classes.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Master's degree (Ph.D. or equivalent experience preferred) in a science discipline, discipline-based education research, or in science education, with strong evidence of training or experience in teaching integrated science courses at the undergraduate level. Since the teaching load focuses solely on integrated science (drawing upon core ideas in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science), candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong interest in learning science from disciplines other than the advanced degree.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate in Science Education/Discipline-Based Education Research. Preferred candidates will have experience implementing three-dimensional science learning (from the Next Generation Science Standards) in the classroom. Preferred candidates will have employed best practices in teaching, curriculum development, and assessment. Evidence of collaborative working relationships as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom is strongly desired. Prior experience working with the K-12 community (teacher candidates, teachers, students) and/or non-STEM majors is desirable.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and a statement of teaching philosophy to jobs.msu.edu (posting number 624555). The teaching philosophy should reference previous experiences as evidence of a commitment to diversity and the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple science disciplines. In addition, applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation (to be uploaded to the same posting), which specifically highlight their teaching experience and education. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Jane Rice, Chair of the Search Committee (rice@msu.edu) or to Gabe Ording, Director of the Center for Integrative Studies (ordingga@msu.edu).
The Center for Integrative Studies in General Science (https://cisgs.natsci.msu.edu/) is focused on educating non-science majors to use science as a tool to make every day decisions for a sustainable future.
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
