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. 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 participate in one or more of the following, depending on their areas of expertise and our current projects: designing and developing instructional materials, developing and implementing professional learning programs for teachers and leaders, and conducting research on science teaching and learning. While science educators take responsibility for their own tasks, they also work collaboratively with others. Collaborative work frequently involves colleagues from BSCS and from other organizations. Often science educators take on different roles across multiple projects.

Responsibilities of this Position

The successful candidate will report to the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships and Professional Learning. The successful candidate(s) will play an important role in advancing BSCS’s work to support schools and districts that are implementing the Next Generation Science Standards by leveraging high-quality instructional materials designed for next generation science. He/she/they will

contribute to the design, development, and delivery of leadership development programs;
provide technical assistance (e.g., serve as a leader of professional learning, facilitator, and/or consultant) to state, regional, and district leadership teams;
lead teacher-focused workshops and institutes; and/or
provide BSCS Professional Learning Services (e.g., curriculum-based professional learning programs, customized professional learning programs).

Two current BSCS teacher and leadership development initiatives are Five Tools and Processes for Translating the NGSS into Instruction and Classroom Assessment (Five Tools) and NextGen TIME, a Toolkit for Instructional Materials Evaluation. Information about these programs can be found on the BSCS website. The focus of the activities described above will include one or both of these initiatives.

In this role, he/she/they will work closely with other BSCS staff, classroom teachers, and leaders from other organizations, state departments of education, and districts. Responsibilities will include development of professional learning and leadership development materials and resources.

Abilities and Expertise

This position requires a background in science education, experience in leading professional learning, and experience in leadership development as described below.

Requirements

• An understanding of three-dimensional, phenomenon/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.
• Experience developing and leading professional learning and leadership development programs.
• 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 written and oral communication skills.

In addition to these requirements, the following are highly desirable:

• science teaching experience and/or experience in a district leadership position;
• experience leading curriculum-based professional learning and supporting teachers as they implement high-quality instructional materials;
• experience using or leading the Five Tools and/or NextGen TIME; and
• practical and academic expertise in improving outcomes for underserved populations and the systems that serve them, including English language learners, students from low-income communities, racial or ethnic minorities, and students with disabilities.

Essential Qualities and Abilities

• 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; and
• flexibility and openness to learning.

Additional Information

• This position requires public speaking and considerable travel.

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.

The full-time, annual salary for this position ranges from $75,000 to 90,000 depending on experience and qualifications. 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.

BSCS’s offices are in Colorado Springs, the #2 city 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. Preference will be given to candidates who are local or will relocate to Colorado Springs, however remote working arrangement will be considered for the ideal candidate.

For additional information about BSCS and our work, prospective applicants are encouraged to review the BSCS website (bscs.org).

BSCS Commitment to Diversity

BSCS Science Learning is committed to 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. 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.