Are you an experienced teacher with a passion for science, looking for part-time employment that will connect you with a large network of highly dedicated educators working together to improve science instruction? The Big Sky Science Partnership (BSSP) is looking for a highly experienced upper elementary or middle school teacher with a strong physical science content background, science teacher leadership experience, proven creativity, and an interest in reform science teaching to join the UM BSSP leadership team. This will be a 12 month, part time (.2 FTE) Letter of Appointment with a possibility of extension for an additional year. It is anticipated that there will be a great deal of flexibility in scheduling work hours for this position, with the exception of Saturday workshops and a 2-week Summer Institute. However, the successful candidate will need to be available at a variety of times in order to accommodate the schedules of our teacher partners. Candidates for this position must have outstanding interpersonal communication skills and enjoy working with individuals from widely diverse backgrounds.

The person who fills this position will collaborate in designing and delivering grant funded UM graduate courses for participating BSSP teachers; work with the leadership team to observe, mentor, and coach BSSP teacher partners in the preparation of culturally competent physical science units and projects for state-wide dissemination through OPI and professional conferences; and help formulate project policy for the UM BSSP site. Additionally, the K-12 Education Specialist will assist, as needed, with the collection of teacher and student data for use in evaluating the project's impacts and will work with others on the leadership team, and across BSSP sites, to disseminate BSSP results to the larger professional community.

Bachelors Degree in Education or Bachelors Degree in a Science plus a teaching certification or license

10-15 years classroom teaching experience at the upper elementary or middle school grade level

Demonstrated expertise in physical science instruction as evidenced by letters of recommendation, extensive participation in professional development activities to increase knowledge and skills in science and teaching, and experience in science leadership roles at the school or district level

Demonstrated interest in culturally competent teaching and sensitivity to cultural issues

Demonstrated interest in reform science teaching

Outstanding communication skills- both written and oral

Skill in using computers, including competency in word processing software such as MS Word and Excel

Familiarity with instructional technology

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of the UM leadership team

Demonstrated ability to work with a broad range of collaborators from different backgrounds and disciplines

Ability to work occasionally on weekends (4 days/year) and during or after school hours as needed to meet with BSSP teacher partners

Preferred Qualifications

Masters Degree in Education or a physical science field

15-20 years of classroom experience at the upper elementary or middle school level

Recognition and/or awards for excellence in science instruction

Recognition and/or awards for teacher leadership

Experience in providing peer mentoring

Experience in developing K-12 science curriculum materials

Experience in coordinating professional development projects

Experience in presenting work at relevant professional meetings and/or authoring papers in professional journals

Other Requirements

Must be able to travel throughout the state of Montana and to occasional out of state meetings.

The Big Sky Science Partnership (BSSP) is an NSF funded Math/Science Partnership Program that works to deepen teachers' science content knowledge, develop a network of dynamic science teacher leaders, develop culturally inclusive science instruction, and increase the science achievement of Montana grades 3-8 students. BSSP partners include grades K-8 teachers and school administrators; American Indian educators from the Flathead, Crow, and Northern Cheyenne reservations; and university science and education faculty from Salish Kootenai College, the University of Montana, and Montana State University.