STEM Education Specialist - Computer Science/Data Science/Computational Thinking

Maine Mathematics and Science Allia | Augusta, ME

Posted Date 9/18/2024
Description

The Maine Math & Science Alliance (MMSA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that finds inspiring new ways to get people excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics today, so that our youth can become the innovators and workforce of tomorrow. MMSA supports educators by:

  • Developing professional development experiences for and with K-12 educators
  • Conducting research and evaluation of STEM learning experiences
  • Building relationships and networks to sustain systemic statewide improvement
  • Providing high-quality professional development and programming that can influence the future of our state

MMSA nurtures a work culture that is very team-oriented, welcomes a mix of diverse staff with diverse backgrounds and includes some of the best talent in STEM education, including researchers and curriculum specialists. We offer ample opportunities for professional development for continuous growth and skill enhancement. 

 

Essential Qualifications:

  • Clear understanding of computer science, computational thinking, and data science learning for K-12, with preference given to those with experience in 6-12.
  • Experience with curriculum development and instructional design, especially creating learning experiences that integrate computer science and/or data science practices and principles into existing curricula.
  • Experience convening, organizing, monitoring, and conducting professional development/training activities for educators, youth, and community members and integrating those voices into the design process collaboratively.
  • Demonstrated experience leveraging a variety of educational technologies, including but not limited to coding, physical computing, and robotics into experiential education opportunities.
  • Experience connecting workforce and/or community issues to curricular experiences.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a field related to STEM and/or technology education.
  • Preference given to individuals with experience in computer or data science, especially with a 6-12 focus.
  • Experience in data analysis and educational research.
  • Proficiency in specific software or programming languages (e.g., Python, Java).

 

Purpose of the Position 

The STEM Education Specialist will be an integral team member, working with the expanding Computer Science Team. They will share their time between two foundational projects: the STEM Workforce Ready 2030 (WFR) project, which supports schools and educators statewide in integrating computer science/computational thinking into their curricula, and the High School Rural Energy Futures (HS-REF) program, which connects rural high school students with Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency (CE&EE) careers through place-based science learning experiences using local energy data and an out-of-school time leadership opportunity for young women.

 

The Specialist will utilize their expertise in data science to support these efforts by partnering with community members and teachers, developing training materials, conducting professional learning sessions both virtually and in-person, attending state and national conferences, and providing data and reports as required.

 

The successful candidate will deepen their skills in computer science and data science education methods, program development, and integration technology. They will engage with informal and formal education, participatory research methods, and science communication, with the mentorship of education leaders. 

 

Essential Functions:

  • Design and implement professional learning experiences to communicate the what, how, and why of computer science integration and data science, focusing on grades 9-12.
  • Facilitate co-design of computer science integration and data science activities for students and educators with teacher leaders.
  • Travel to state and national conferences to share project work and build MMSA’s network in the computer science/data science field.
  • Travel throughout Maine to support educators in the field.
  • Design curriculum and instructional strategies that integrate standards-aligned science competencies, and local energy datasets with workforce development skills in CE&EE careers 
  • Collaborate with other organizations, universities, and businesses to achieve CE&EE workforce development goals. 
  • Facilitate professional learning experiences for teachers, student leaders, and workforce mentors to co-develop CE&EE in-school and out-of-school experiences for high school youth.   
  • Work closely with project partners and participants to deliver project deliverables.
  • Assist in writing reports as needed.
  • Assist in the development of media releases for the project.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Selection criteria

  • Experience in computer science education, data science, and/or STEM education.
  • Experience in instructional design and curriculum development.
  • Experience or interest in climate change education, energy education, etc. 
  • Ability to learn new computer science tools and train others to use them.
  • Prior experience facilitating training sessions and professional learning for educators.
  • Equity-focused computer science leader.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences through emails and newsletters.
  • Working knowledge of a range of software packages, including Microsoft Office, Airtable, Adobe products (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), and familiarity with Apple products (laptops, iPhones, iPads, etc.).
  • Ability to work in a telecommuting-based team with a wide range of personalities and interests

 

Benefits of the Job: 

  • Attractive health plan with low to no contributions
  • Employer-paid family dental, family vision, Life, STD, LTD
  • Up to 10% 401K match
  • 14 paid holidays
  • Paid time off for birthday and floating holiday for religious purposes 
  • 20 paid vacation days
  • 15 paid sick days
Salary60,000.00 - 70,000.00 Annual
Job Type
Other
Job Location (County)
Kennebec

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