Immediate Openings - Instructional Materials Development

published Sep 2, 2019 7:35am
● The High School Biology Revision project is revising our flagship high school biology program for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). In addition to implementing the three-dimensional approach to science learning envisioned by the NGSS, this program will focus on the development of literacy skills in the context of scientific texts and on support for emergent multilingual learners.
● The OpenSciEd project is developing a three-year middle school science curriculum for the NGSS. Information about this project is available at https://openscied.org.
We seek motivated, creative individuals who share our mission of improving science teaching and learning through research-driven innovation.
About BSCS Science Learning
BSCS Science Learning is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops, studies, and disseminates powerful approaches to science education. Our mission is to improve science teaching and learning through research-driven innovation. Founded in 1958, BSCS has brought the experience of inquiry learning to millions of students and teachers across the U.S. and around the world. Today, BSCS conducts research on how to improve science teaching and learning, develops instructional materials, offers professional learning programs for teachers, and conducts leadership development programs for schools and districts. Underlying all this work is our commitment to providing all young people with equitable, inclusive, and just science learning opportunities.
The Role of Associate Science Educators and Science Educators at BSCS
Both Associate Science Educator II and Science Educator are positions of substantial professional responsibility at BSCS. Associate Science Educator IIs serve as key personnel on research and development projects, taking independent responsibility for one or more of the following: designing and developing instructional materials, developing and implementing professional learning programs, and conducting research on science teaching and learning. In addition to the work done by Associate Science Educator IIs, Science Educators take independent responsibility for their own tasks and for overseeing the work of others. Often Associate Science Educator IIs and Science Educators work in different roles across two or more projects.
Responsibilities of this Position
The instructional materials developers will play a central role in the design and development of one or more instructional programs. In this role, they will work closely with BSCS staff, classroom teachers, and independent contractors. They will be responsible for writing teacher and student materials, and using instructional models that we have adopted for these programs and adhering to our development guidelines. This includes participating as a team member in the design process, identifying and using appropriate science resources that will support student learning (e.g., data, images, videos, simulations), writing teacher-facing and student-facing text, and assisting in the production process to finalize the materials.
Abilities and Expertise
This position requires a background in science education and expertise in developing instructional materials as described below.
Minimum Requirements:
● Experience developing instructional materials for middle or high school science or related experience;
● An understanding of three-dimensional, phenomenon-driven and problem-driven science teaching and learning as called for by the National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards;
● Understanding of the science content and science teaching (pedagogical content knowledge) in the disciplinary core ideas called for by the Next Generation Science Standards for high school life science or at least two disciplines at the middle school level (physical, life, earth/space).
● The ability to manage complex work and achieve specified goals under time and resource constraints;
● The ability to collaborate effectively in diverse groups across a variety of contexts;
● Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Any of the following are desirable:
● Teaching experience at the middle or high school level;
● Expertise in the development of literacy in a science context;
● Expertise in supporting emergent multilingual learners;
● Experience working with underserved populations.
Essential Qualities
The following are required to function effectively in this position:
● A commitment to improving science education;
● A commitment to equity and social justice in education;
● Strong internal motivation;
● Flexibility and openness.
Additional Information about the Positions
These are limited term positions, tied to specific project funding. The term is one year, with the option of renewal for a second year.
We are open to meeting our needs through a combination of full-time and part-time hires. The minimum level of part-time work for these positions is ⅓-time.
We are open to either local or remote work arrangements for these positions.
These positions require public speaking and may require travel.
Salary range: The full-time, annual salary ranges for these positions are $55-000-80,000 (Associate Science Educator II) and $75-85,000 (Science Educator), depending on experience and qualifications.
BSCS Commitment to Diversity
BSCS Science Learning is committed to the recruitment of a diverse staff so that we can bring the broadest possible range of perspectives to our mission of improving science teaching and learning for a diverse audience. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability (physical and/or mental), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, military obligations, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any status protected by federal, state, or local law
More about BSCS
BSCS offers competitive compensation and a generous package of benefits, as well as a flexible and inclusive work environment, with a strong commitment to the professional growth of all staff. Our benefits for full-time staff include 26 days a year of paid time off, medical and dental insurance, and a generous retirement plan.
As a nonprofit research and development organization, BSCS's work is funded through a combination of government and foundation grants, service contracts from school districts and other education-focused institutions, licensing revenue, and charitable donations.
BSCS's offices are in Colorado Springs, ranked #2 in US News & World Report's 2018 Best Places to Live. Located along the Front Range of the Rockies one hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is known for a mild climate, a vibrant arts community, and year-round outdoor recreation.
For additional information about BSCS and our work, prospective applicants are encouraged to review the BSCS web site (www.bscs.org).
To Apply:
Applicants should send a cover letter and a resume or curriculum vitae to careers@bscs.org. Please put Instructional Materials Developer in the subject line. In your cover letter, please include your interest and qualifications in the position and indicate the following: (1) Desired type of employment (full-time or part-time); (2) in which of the following levels and disciplines you feel qualified to develop high-quality instructional materials: middle school physical science, middle school life science, middle school earth/space science, high school life science; and (3) your willingness to relocate to Colorado Springs, if you currently reside outside the area.
We will review complete applications as they are received and will continue to accept and review applications until the positions are filled.

https://bscs.org/connect/employment-opportunities/