Assistant Professor, STEM Education

Job Summary

As the Assistant Professor, STEM Education you will teach undergraduate and graduate level courses which may include elementary and secondary science methods; be involved in course and curriculum development; engage in productive research and grant seeking activities; work effectively with various populations of students, colleagues, and members of the community at large; and serve on dissertation committees. The Assistant Professor, STEM Education may be asked to coordinate an academic program and to collaborate with faculty and staff on accreditation.
Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.
The College of Education was formally established in 1996, supported by a unique undergraduate integrated curriculum created by the founding faculty members. The undergraduate curriculum has evolved to prepare undergraduate and graduate students to meet the challenges present in 21st century PreK-12 classrooms. COE quickly recognized the need for graduate programs that focus on supporting the demand for strong PreK-20 school leaders, where it continues to grow and expand its degree offerings.
The mission of the COE is to provide diverse environments of excellence that support dynamic learning experiences. In these environments, faculty and students reflect upon and engage in the applications of theory, research, and emerging technologies. These environments support the construction of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through collaboration and inquiry. As a result, faculty and students are empowered to create an enhanced quality of life within their respective communities.
As the region's only comprehensive university, FGCU's College of Education (COE) prepares graduates for a wide range of careers from traditional PreK-20 education to museum programs, programs for children with special needs, instructional design, educational media, and e-Learning. The COE offers six undergraduate teacher certification programs: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Secondary Biology, Mathematics, and Social Science Education. Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education programs include the following endorsements: Prekindergarten Disability, Reading, and ESOL. The undergraduate programs are committed to producing highly skilled classroom practitioners by placing a strong emphasis on learning while doing and teaching by example. COE also offers seven master’s degree programs including School Counseling, an Ed.D. program with five concentrations, and multiple programs supporting alternative paths to teacher certification. The undergraduate COE programs are Florida Department of Education and CAEP accredited.
FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Must value and perform continued scholarship and service to the college and the university.
• Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of Science Education and/or Mathematics Education, as well as instructional methods.
• Supervises student teachers; advises students; and conducts research.
• Collaborates both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning.
• Works with partners and teacher candidates in Professional Development Schools.
• Engages in active service to the department, college, and University and maintains an active agenda of scholarly activities according to Boyer’s principles of scholarly research, and service to community, college, university and department.
• Assists in recruiting and retention of students.
• Participates in accreditation activities and assists with program evaluation and accreditation tasks.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Science Education, Mathematics Education, or a closely related field (e.g. curriculum & instruction) with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in science education or mathematics education from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2024. If successful candidate is still ABD upon hire, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract (doctorate must be completed in one year).
• A demonstrated potential to establish a record of research and publications equivalent to the expectation of an assistant professor rank.
• Minimum three years of experience in teaching science and/or mathematics in PK-12 schools/or relevant teacher education experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in teaching undergraduate Science and/or Mathematics method courses in teacher preparation programs.
• Five years of teaching experience in PK-12 schools in the United States or USA school located overseas; or teacher certification, that has been conferred within the past 5 years.
• Experience in working with education interns.
• Understanding of and experience in implementing state and national standards.
• Proficiency in the use of technology for record keeping and instructional purposes.
• Experience in securing research grants and/or grant seeking activities.
• Experience or interest in collaborating on creating/leading professional development activities for teachers.
• Willingness to work with stakeholders across campus on STEM community outreach.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Knowledge of common misconceptions in learning the science and/or mathematics concepts and how to guide learners to accurate conceptual understanding.
• Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals.
• Understanding how current interdisciplinary themes (e.g., civic literacy, health literacy, global awareness) connect to the core science and/or mathematics education subject areas.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online).
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment basis available August 2024.

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU.

Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials:

• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Focus of Research Statement
• Five (5) Professional References (including one current or former supervisor)
• Two writing samples (e.g. published journal article, book or dissertation chapter) – Upload to Additional Documents Section

Position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by February 15, 2024 will receive priority consideration.

Salary commensurate with education and experience.