Position Title: Senior Specialist in Science and Teacher Education
Start date: August 5, 2013
Position Description:
The American Museum of the Natural History is seeking a Senior Science Curriculum and Teacher Preparation Specialist (Sr. Specialist). This candidate will be part of a team of Sr. specialists in the mentoring team faculty of the Pilot Residency Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Specialization in 7-12th grade Earth Science Program at American Museum of Natural History
Reporting to co-directors of the Pilot AMNH MAT program, the Sr. specialist in curriculum and teacher preparation joins a team of three Sr. specialists in residency school mentoring and in online, school, and museum Earth Science Teaching. The Sr. specialists are core faculty in the education, scientific, and residency schools program team. Sr. specialists have three kinds of responsibilities that include academic, mentoring, and residency support and coordination.
Academic responsibilities include the co-development and co-teaching of one or two science and pedagogy courses with scientists and educators. Mentoring of a group of 8-9 teacher candidates in three ways: (1) mentoring at schools during their school based residency rotations; (2) group mentoring at the Museum; and (3) individual mentoring at the Museum in all professional and academic dimensions of the teaching profession, inclusive of teacher assessments, licensing, portfolio development and certification.
School residency support includes mentoring and collaboration with school-based mentors to support instruction that takes advantage of Museum science and cultural resources and approaches; and to facilitate the clinically based teaching responsibilities of the candidates during their residency rotations.
Requisite Qualifications and Experience
• PhD/EdD in science education required with at least 5 years’ experience working as a teacher and with teachers in development of science teaching capacities. Earth science teaching education experience preferred.
• Teaching experience in public schools in NYC or other high-need regions in NYS. Additional administrative preferred.
• NYS Science Teacher Certification and/or National Board Certification in Science.
• True commitment to the belief that every child can succeed regardless of circumstances and that teachers make a difference.
• Commitment to support new teachers in their integration into the teaching profession in New York State.
• Experience in urban public schools and colleges with a deep understanding of the opportunities of culturally rich environments and the challenges of under resourced schools and communities.
• Clear vision of a continuum of teacher development
• Knowledge of and comfort with issues of diversity, specifically around race, class, and gender as they relate to achievement.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to move within diverse communities and environments with ease and confidence.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task and wisdom to seek guidance and advice from team members.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet goals and deadlines both independently and cooperatively
• Flexibility and a sense of humor
Status: Full-time; Initial TERM until September 2014
Please submit résumé and cover letter, along with salary history and requirements to:
Education Department,
Attention Sr. Director of Education, Operations
See AMNH Careers website at https://careers.amnh.org
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate due to age, sex, religion, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.