Science Education Program Specialist

Science Teacher Professional Development

 

Salary Range: $47,647 to $61,946

 

Full-time

Renewable on an annual basis

 

National Science Resources Center (An equal opportunity employer)

 

Introduction

 

This position is located in Washington, DC at the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), operated by the Smithsonian Institution, with joint programmatic oversight by the Smithsonian and the National Academies, which is comprised of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, and the National Research Council. The NSRC’s mission is to improve the learning and teaching of science in the nation’s schools. The NSRC collects and disseminates research-based science curriculum materials and information about exemplary science teaching resources,  and uses current research and best practices to help school systems improve K-12 science education.

 

The selected candidate will work as a member of a small versatile team at the Professional Development Center (PDC) of the NSRC to assist in organizing and implementing science teacher professional development . The PDC organizes courses that model and promote high quality, inquiry-based science education for K-12 teachers and teacher leaders.

 

Qualifications and Experience

 

Required:

 

• Experience teaching hands-on, inquiry science for 3 or more years in K-12 education
• Bachelors degree in science or a specialty in science education
• Competency with computers and computer applications, such as Microsoft Office programs.

 

Preferred:

 

• Familiarity with the STC and STC/MS curriculum materials
• Masters in Education or science education related area.
• Experience implementing science teacher professional development programs
• Administration and editorial experience

 

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Appointment may be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of a pre-appointment background check and subsequent background investigation. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired and/or you may be terminated after you begin work.

 

Major Duties

 

I.    Program Development, Planning, and Organization: 50%

 

These duties include:

• The planning and development of the short and long-term goals of the PDC and the coordination of these goals with other units of the NSRC and the parent institutions, the Smithsonian Institution and National Academies.
• Organization and implementation of the current professional development programs of the PDC, as well as the planning of new products and services
• Working closely with curators and staff from the NSRC, the Smithsonian Institution museums, and other corporate and university partners, to plan and organize professional development events for science teachers and teacher leaders.
• Developing curriculum materials that relate to the professional development of science teachers.
• Working with curriculum developers to develop courses that support NSRC STC and STC/MS curriculum materials.
• Organizing conference and symposia programs.

·        Locating and organizing venues at hotels, universities, and schools. This may include organizing accommodation and catering.

 

 

II.   Administration and Management: 35%

 

Support the day-to-day administration of the PDC, including:

·        Developing and producing short publications and brochures that advertise and support the work of the PDC

·        Handling registration of course participants

·        The acquisition and purchasing of materials for professional development events

·        The printing and assembly of event materials

·        Working with PDC and other NSRC staff to develop proposals for grants and gifts to support the work of the PDC

• Managing a cadre of presenters
• Gathering evaluation data
• Writing and editing reports to sponsors and the NSRC’s parent organizations
• Attending and contributing to meetings on behalf of the PDC.
• Other duties as assigned

 

III. Making Presentations and Conducting Courses: 15%

 

The successful candidate will be expected to travel to venues nationwide and conduct workshops and presentations to audiences that include leaders in education, district science specialists and classroom teachers. These presentations may include:

• Extended workshops that promote and support users of the STC curriculum

• Training of a cadre of presenters
• Representing the PDC and the NSRC at conferences and functions

 

 

Factor 1—Knowledge Required

 

The successful candidate will have:

 

·        Expert knowledge of the nature of K-12 science education and how it is conducted in the classroom. This includes knowledge of the types of activities that generally take place in classrooms and the typical pressures that affect science teachers and the teaching of science.

 

·        Knowledge of the National Science Education Standards, the nature of state standards and of projects involved in establishing standards for K-12 science education (for example Project 2061 from AAAS)

 

·        Knowledge of best and promising  practices in K-12 science education

 

·        Experiential knowledge of the nature of “Inquiry Science” and the nature of high quality curriculum materials (such as STC, FOSS or SEPUP) that facilitate the teaching of inquiry science. An understanding of how these are implemented in the classroom is essential.

 

·        Knowledge of the variety of professional development experiences available to science teachers and current research as it is applicable to these experiences.

 

·        Knowledge of management processes, which includes the ability to keep abreast of administrative details so as to be able to develop improvements in operations to meet changing conditions and promote the effective functioning of the PDC.

 

·        Knowledge of and extensive experience in using computer software applications, including word-processing, spreadsheet, database, electronic mail, and graphics applications

 

·        Knowledge of NSRC goals and objectives as an organization of the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academies, as outlined in the NSRC mission statement

 

·        Knowledge and experience in planning and organizing programs and events

 

·        Ability to present and teach, with confidence and effectiveness, to a wide variety of audiences at venues including workshops and conferences

 

·        Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of a staff and consultants, working under the challenges of multiple projects and short deadlines.

 

·        Ability to interact and negotiate diplomatically, effectively, and on a sustained basis with Smithsonian Institution staff members, donors, sponsors, registrants and NSRC Advisory Board members.

 

·        Ability to communicate orally and in writing to present and defend programs, present (?) recommendations and convince others to implement them

 

Factor 2—Supervisory Controls

 

The selected candidate reports to the Director of the PDC, but is expected to independently carry out responsibilities with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative. Projects are often self-generated, based upon incumbent’s ideas, expertise and understanding of the mission, goals and objectives of the NSRC.

 

Factor 3—Guidelines

 

Guidelines consist of general financial and administrative policies, such as Federal law and regulations, Smithsonian policies and procedures, NSRC memoranda, manuals, directives and established broad policies. Other guidelines may include such items as management and organizational theories. Incumbent must use extensive judgment in applying, interpreting and adapting these guidelines to NSRC needs. Incumbent is expected to use own initiative and knowledge of financial and management principles to resolve or determine particular courses of action.

 

Factor 4—Complexity

The work of the NSRC is complex because of large-scale national projects requiring multiples sources of funding, projects operating on timelines different from the fiscal year of the Smithsonian, and reporting requirements to both the Institution and multiple sponsors. The incumbent will be required to manage complex situations with a high level of independence and confidence, often under conditions of pressure, e.g.,short deadlines where accuracy is imperative.

 

 

Factor 5—Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to work with members of the PDC team to plan, facilitate, and conduct the PDC’s program. This includes working on any aspect of this program that furthers the mission of the PDC, the NSRC, and the Smithsonian and National Academies. Because of the NSRC’s broad outreach program, the work often contributes to the effectiveness of many other educational institutions throughout the country that are active partners in NSRC programs.

 

Factors 6 & 7—Personal Contacts and Purpose of Contacts

 

Persons contracted regularly include staff of the NSRC, Smithsonian Institution, and National Academies, as well as contractors, representatives from sponsoring and partner organizations, customers, event registrants, and NSRC Advisory Board members

 

Factor 8—Physical Demands

 

The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to multi-task—juggling diverse and multiple projects with varying deadlines. He/she will be required to at NSRC events as required. This may include physical work such as driving, carrying, packing and assembling, and disassembling materials Work will require occasional evening and/or weekend duty.

 

Factor 9—Work Environment

 

Work is performed both in an office setting and at event venues. Travel is required. International travel may be required.

 

Benefits

 

A comprehensive package of benefits is available.

 

How to Apply:

Please e-mail your resume and a letter explaining your interest in this job to:

Steven Madewell
Professional Development Center

National Science Resources Center
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