Immediate Openings - Instructional Materials Development

published Aug 25, 2020 5:18am
- Oct 1, 2020

BSCS Science Learning (BSCS) has immediate openings for one or more instructional materials developers with expertise in science education to work on a large-scale instructional materials development (IMD) project we have underway: the OpenSciEd Middle School project. The OpenSciEd Middle School project is developing a three-year middle school science curriculum for the NGSS. Information about this project is available at https://openscied.org. This position could be filled with full-time or part-time staff.
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 Science Educators at BSCS
Science Educator is a position of substantial professional responsibility at BSCS. Science educators 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. Often 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 at least two disciplines at the middle school and/or high school levels (physical science/physics/chemistry, life science/biology, earth/space/environmental sciences). 
● 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:
● Experience with the OpenSciEd or Next Generation Science Storylines instructional models. 
● Teaching experience at the middle or high school level;
● Expertise in supporting emergent multilingual learners; 
● Experience working with underserved populations;
● Experience working with populations underrepresented in science.
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 possibility of extension. 
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 may require public speaking and travel.
Salary range: The full-time, annual salary range for these positions is $75-85,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
BSCS Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
BSCS is committed to advancing science learning that is inclusive, meaningful, and advances the work of social and environmental justice. To learn more, visit https://bscs.org/our-work/equity-social-justice/
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. 
BSCS as a WorkPlace
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 the following items to careers@bscs.org. Please put Instructional Materials Developer in the subject line. 
1. Cover Letter. 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 grade levels and disciplines you feel qualified to develop high-quality instructional materials: middle school and/or high school levels and physical, life, and/or earth and space sciences; and (3) whether you desire to work locally in Colorado Springs or remotely.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Instructional materials example. Please limit the sample to 25 pages. Include only materials in which you were a lead author or significant co-author. Include a sample of both teaching facing and student facing materials that you produced as part of this work.
4. Personal statement (1-2 pages) that describes your qualifications for this position and your experience and commitments in the areas of equity, diversity, and social justice
We will review complete applications as they are received and will continue to accept and review applications until the positions are filled.