About the position
The University of South Alabama is seeking to hire an ASIM (Alabama Science in Motion) Specialist in the subject of Biology. This position is integral to the Alabama State Department of Education's initiative to enhance STEM teaching across the state. The ASIM program supports high schools by providing essential professional learning, educator support, and instructional materials necessary for implementing the Alabama Course of Study Standards for Science. The specialist will facilitate and participate in professional learning for teachers and administrators, addressing specific assignments and local education agency (LEA) needs. This includes offering online options during the school year and summer professional learning opportunities. In addition to facilitating professional learning, the ASIM Specialist will assist the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) in developing and maintaining common professional learning offerings and supporting resources. The role involves providing ongoing professional learning to AMSTI/ASIM lead teachers, certified AMSTI facilitators, and instructional coaches through professional learning communities and coaching cycles. The specialist will also collaborate with institutions of higher education (IHEs) to plan and conduct pre-service and continuing education activities. The ASIM Specialist will be responsible for providing frequent support and coaching to teachers and administrators, ensuring effective use of common planning time and professional learning communities to enhance instruction. The role includes recruiting new AMSTI/ASIM teachers and facilitators, conducting research on current science practices in AMSTI/ASIM classrooms, and coordinating work through the AMSTI Site Director. The specialist will maintain proficiency in all standards and pedagogical content knowledge through professional learning opportunities and will work closely with materials managers to ensure the availability of lesson materials and equipment for classroom use. Regular attendance and the ability to work additional hours as required are essential for this position.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate and participate in professional learning for teachers and administrators based on assignments and LEA needs.
- Assist AMSTI-ALSDE in developing and maintaining common professional learning offerings and supporting resources.
- Provide ongoing professional learning to AMSTI/ASIM lead teachers and certified AMSTI facilitators through professional learning communities and coaching cycles.
- Assist IHEs with planning and conducting pre-service and continuing education activities.
- Participate in AMSTI professional learning activities and staff meetings conducted by the ALSDE and Site Director.
- Provide frequent support and coaching to teachers and administrators based on assignments and LEA needs.
- Assist AMSTI teachers in effectively using common planning time and Professional Learning Communities to improve instruction.
- Assist in recruiting new AMSTI/ASIM teachers and facilitators.
- Conduct research on the effects of current science practices in AMSTI/ASIM classrooms as requested by the ALSDE.
- Coordinate work through the AMSTI Site Director and communicate with all stakeholders.
- Achieve and maintain proficiency in all standards and AMSTI lessons and practices through professional learning opportunities.
- Work with materials manager to coordinate the preparation, delivery, pick up, and maintenance of lesson materials and equipment.
- Provide feedback to the ALSDE regarding customization of kits and materials for classroom use.
- Maintain records and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
- Participate in the development and promotion of AMSTI resources according to guidelines.
- Communicate with AMSTI Site Director/PI and ALSDE regarding retirement or resignation plans.
- Maintain regular and prompt attendance.
Requirements
- Master's degree in education from an accredited institution.
- Five years of professional teaching experience in designated field of study.
- Current Alabama Teacher's Certificate.
- Possession of a valid driver's license and maintenance of a driving record sufficient to maintain insurance coverage.
Benefits
- Retirement plan
