Science Educator, Instructional Materials Development High School Science
published Dec 3, 2020 10:35amBSCS Science Learning (BSCS) has an immediate opening for an individual with expertise in developing instructional materials for the Next Generation Science Standards. We are looking for someone to join a project that is developing a high school physics course. We seek a motivated, creative individual who shares our mission of transforming science education and our commitment to equity and social justice.
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 a Science Educator 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
This science educator will play a central role in the design and development of a new high school science course that will focus primarily on physics but will include Earth and space science as well. In this role, the science educator 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:
● Expert at developing instructional materials for secondary school science, including experience using the Next Generation Science Storylines, OpenSciEd, or similar instructional model;
● 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;
● Ability to manage complex work and achieve specified goals under time and resource constraints;
● Ability to collaborate effectively in diverse groups across a variety of contexts;
● Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
Any of the following are desirable:
● Science content and science teaching (pedagogical content) knowledge for physics and Earth/space science as called for by the Next Generation Science Standards.
● Teaching experience at the secondary school level;
● Expertise in supporting emergent multilingual learners;
● Experience designing for or working with historically marginalized 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
We are open to either local or remote work arrangements for this position. Preference will be given to individuals who are local to Colorado Springs or willing to relocate for the position.
This position may require public speaking and travel.
Salary range: The full-time, annual salary range for this position is $80-95,000, 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 30 days a year of paid time off, medical, dental, life and long-term disability 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 #4 in US News & World Report's 2020 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 email the following items to careers@bscs.org. Please put "Science Educator, HS IMD" in the subject line.
1. Resume or curriculum vitae.
2. Educational Statement (1-2 pages) that describes (1) relevant prior experiences in instructional materials development and teaching; (2) your views about science teaching and learning and how they have been shaped by your educational, personal, and/or professional experiences.
3. Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Statement (1-2 pages) that describes (1) relevant prior experience responding to the interests, social identities, and obstacles to learning faced by marginalized populations, and (2) your views about equity, inclusion, and social justice in science education and how they have been shaped by your educational, personal, and/or professional experiences.
4. Instructional materials sample. Please include a sample of instructional materials on which you were the lead writer or a significant co-writer. If possible, include both teacher and student materials. Please limit the sample to 25 pages.
5. Cover letter. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and whether you desire to work locally in Colorado Springs or remotely.
We will begin reviewing applications on December 18, 2020 and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.