Professional - Position #ED-0001-89

Mathematics Regional Specialist Initiative for Developing Mathematical Thinking in the Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies

Boise State University invites interested applicants for the position of Mathematics Regional Specialist. The successful applicant will become part of our team at the Initiative for Developing Mathematical Thinking (IDMT) as we build a Metropolitan Research University of Distinction.

A successful candidate will possess:

• Professional Preparation
  • Idaho Teaching Certification and preferably a master's degree or beyond with focus in mathematics education
  • Exemplary mathematics content knowledge for k-8 or 4-12 mathematics
• Work Experience
  • Demonstrated success in increasing student achievement over time and demonstrated success with diverse groups of students
  • Rich and varied professional work experiences appropriate to the K-12 mathematics specialist position including at least five years experience teaching mathematics as well as relevant experiences beyond the classroom
  • Should be familiar with multiple teaching and assessment strategies, with emphasis on reform-oriented approaches and models
• Technology
  • Experience with several technologies and willing to master new technologies as they emerge. Regional Specialists are expected to be able to support colleagues in the use of technology effectively. Solid knowledge of grade-appropriate mathematics software, current use of presentation hardware and software (including video editing and viewing hardware and software), and grade-appropriate tools, such as graphing calculators, is essential.
  • Regional Specialists will be communicating with the IDMT staff and other coaches via distance learning technology and should be comfortable with this arrangement.
• Experience Working with Teachers
  • Applicants should have the candor and personality that allows them to influence teacher behaviors.
  • Applicants should have leadership skills that enable them to bring teachers, administrators, departments, etc. together and to foster communication and collaboration.
  • Applicants should have experience in planning, developing, and delivering professional development activities at the building, local, or state level that will affect mathematics teaching and student learning.
• Personal Organization & Professional Growth
  • Applicants should be adept in time management in order to effectively plan for and complete multiple tasks.
  • Applicants should be willing to travel in order to both attend and participate in professional development opportunities (i.e. conferences, seminars, etc.).

Responsibilities of Idaho Regional Specialists: This Idaho Mathematics Initiative shall be a partnership that includes the Idaho Regional Specialists, school(s)/district(s), Idaho Dept. of Education, Universities in Idaho and the Institute for Developing Mathematical Thinking. Successfully implementing this model will depend upon effective collaboration among all parties.

The Regional Mathematics Specialists must perform work consistent with the recommendations of the Idaho Department of Education and the Institute for Developing Mathematical Thinking. The primary work of the Regional Specialists is to develop the instructional capacity of each school's mathematics faculty. The Regional Specialists will assist instructional coaches and teachers in the use of effective classroom instruction.

Preparation Requirements:

• Attend and participate in the planning and facilitation of the MTI Pilot Class
• Participate in a three month internship with IDMT staff
• Attend follow-up sessions with IDMT staff (during summers & school year -TBD)
• Attend conferences (ICTM, NCTM, etc)
• Attend weekly online meetings with other coaches and DMT staff
• Communicate electronically on a regular basis with the DMT staff, other Regional Specialists, and State Mathematics Coordinator
• Complete and submit all feedback in a timely manner
• Distribute, collect and return teacher surveys, content inventories, etc. and provide data to IDMT and Idaho Dept of Ed.

The Role of the Regional Specialists:

• Facilitate the MTI Class-this may involve multiple full-day or half-day PD workshops or week-long summer institutes
• Working with instructional coaches and teachers to plan, implement and reflect upon classroom lessons
• Provide PD and/or work with instructional coaches and teachers to develop and refine specific teaching strategies (i.e. differentiated instruction, learning communities, analysis of student work, assessment strategies, lesson study, etc.)
• Observe classes and engaging instructional coaches and teachers in meaningful reflection
• Promote the use of multiple assessment strategies
• Help instructional coaches and teachers effectively integrate technology into classroom instruction
• Identify standards-based materials and other curriculum resources
• Facilitate transition discourse and strategies (elem. to middle and middle to high)
• Model effective instructional strategies
• Mentor district level and school level coaches
• Employ emerging strategies from research and best practices

Salary and Benefits: Between $55,000 and $65,000 per year depending on qualifications, plus an excellent benefits package including medical/dental/vision/life/LTD insurance, retirement plan, reduced tuition benefits, 24 days vacation leave and 12 days sick leave annually, plus 10 paid holidays.

If you are interested in this position: Please submit a letter of application indicating your interest and qualifications for this position. Attach a resume that includes employment history (including dates of employment) and three professional references with contact information Application materials should be emailed to:

Dr. Jonathan Brendefur
jbrendef@boisestate.edu
Search # ED-0001-89
Boise State University
1910 University Dr.
Boise, ID 83725-1910

Review of applications will begin August 11, 2008 and will continue until finalists are identified. Applications received after that point may be considered if the position is not filled from the finalist pool.

About the University: http://www.boisestate.edu/

About the City of Boise: http://www.boisechamber.org/

As of August 17, 2009, Boise State University is a smoke free campus.
Boise State University is strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, persons of color, and members of other underrepresented groups. EEO/AA Institution, Veterans preference.

Back to Professional Job Listings

Posted 08-01-08

Human Resource Services, Boise State University