TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Department of Geological Sciences and Science Education Program

Central Washington University

 

The Department of Geological Sciences and the Science Education Program at Central Washington University invite applications for one full-time (9-month academic appointment), tenure-track Assistant Professor in Earth Science Education beginning September 16, 2009.

 

This position is a joint appointment between the Science Education Program and the Department of Geological Sciences, both of which reside in the College of the Sciences.  Applicants in all areas of geological sciences are invited to apply.  The main responsibilities of this faculty position are to develop and teach science teaching methods courses for pre-service elementary, middle level and secondary teachers and teach introductory and upper-level classes in the candidate’s area of expertise within geological sciences. The successful applicant must show potential to be an excellent teacher at all levels, to advise undergraduates, and to mentor undergraduate and Masters-level graduate student research. Candidates must demonstrate potential for productive scholarship in geological sciences and/or science education and contribute service that promotes excellence in both disciplines consistent with current science education research.  Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this position, this faculty member has the opportunity to influence curriculum and instruction in Geological Sciences, Science Education, and the Professional Education programs. There will also be opportunities to strengthen existing or build new partnerships with local school districts and state officials. For information about the Department of Geological Sciences or the Science Education Program, see our websites: www.geology.cwu.edu or www.cwu.edu/~scied.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The successful candidate is expected to teach in ways that promote student engagement and thinking, provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, respond to a wide variety of student needs (from the science phobic to the science major), to develop innovative interdisciplinary courses, and conduct an energetic program of scholarly activity in Science Education and/or Geological Sciences.  Specific responsibilities include:

 

1.      Develop and teach introductory and specialty courses in both the Department of Geological Sciences and the Science Education Program.

2.      Teach elementary, middle level and secondary science education methods and practica courses.

3.      Conduct a program of scholarly activity involving students. 

4.      Seek extramural funding for programs that further the goals of the Department of Geological Sciences and the Science Education Program.

5.      Participate in and lead teacher workshops, community outreach activities, and partnerships with community stakeholders.

6.      Advise and mentor undergraduate and Masters-level graduate students.

7.      Participate in standards-based program assessment.

8.      Use contemporary technologies to teach locally and at CWU Centers.

9.      Facilitate positive change in the department, college, university, and region.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Required:

1.   a) Ph.D. in Science Education and coursework equivalent to a Master’s Degree in Geological Sciences OR

     b) Ph.D. in Geological Sciences with experience or potential for developing science education programs.

2.   Demonstrated potential to work with K-12 teachers and students.

3.   Strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

4.   Potential to develop an active research program involving students.

 

Preferred:

1.  Ability to use innovative best-practice teaching methods.

2.  K-12 teaching experience.

3.  Experience conducting interdisciplinary work in science and education.

4.  Experience with course and program assessment.

5.  Experience and/or interest in middle level teacher preparation.

 

 

SALARY:  Dependent on qualifications and experience.

 

INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS:

 

Screening will begin on December 10, 2008 and continue until a candidate is selected.  A complete application consists of: 1) a letter of application that provides evidence on how your background meets all the required and any preferred qualifications as well as addresses how you can meet the position responsibilities; 2) statement of your philosophy of science teaching; 3) a research plan that includes students; 4) curriculum vitae; and 5) the names, addresses, e-mail and telephone numbers of three professional references.  Reference letters will be solicited for finalists. To apply go to https://jobs.cwu.edu

 

Send inquiries to:

Dr. Martha J. Kurtz, Science Education Program, (kurtzm@cwu.edu or 509-963-1422) or

Dr. Beth Pratt-Sitaula, Dept. of Geological Sciences (psitaula@cwu.edu or 509-963-2870) or

consult our web pages: www.geology.cwu.edu or www.cwu.edu/~scied.

 

CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY is a comprehensive state university that serves more than 9000 students, 1000 of which are enrolled in Extended Degree Centers located throughout the state. The main campus of Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, population 15,000, which provides one of the finest living environments in the Pacific Northwest. Ellensburg, located in Kittitas Valley, is only minutes from Wenatchee National Forest and less than a two-hour drive east of Seattle over the spectacular Cascade Mountains. Programs are offered through the College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Arts and Humanities, College of the Sciences, and the School of Business and Economics.  For in-depth information about Central Washington University please see our web page at www.cwu.edu.

 

The DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES has 80 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate students. The department is composed of a dynamic and enthusiastic group of eleven faculty who maintain active, diverse, and internationally recognized research programs in which undergraduate and Masters-level graduate students participate.  The department houses clean and stable isotope laboratories, a geodesy laboratory, excellent research computer facilities, digital surveying equipment, research petrographic microscopes and a shared GIS laboratory. 

 

The SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM consists of a team of six highly active faculty most of whom hold joint appointments in science content areas and all of whom maintain productive, diverse, and nationally recognized research programs in collaboration with students and often with faculty from other CWU departments, community college faculty, or K-12 school personnel.  Science Education faculty maintain strong ties with CWU’s Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education and the Center for Teaching and Learning.  The Program supports over 80 students emphasizing science education at the elementary, middle or secondary levels.

 

Central Washington University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, Title IX Institution.  The university has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and, in that spirit, seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including women, minorities, Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans, and persons of disability.  Persons of disability may request accommodation during the application and/or interview process through Disability Support Services.  Phone: 509 963 2171.  TDD: 509 963 2143.