Position Summary
Applicants are invited to apply for a part-time curriculum writer position in the College of Education at Michigan State University to support curriculum development and research being carried out by the OpenSciEd Elementary Developers Consortium (https://www.openscied.org/elementary/). We are searching for an applicant with expertise in curriculum development for elementary grades. The Curriculum Writer will play a central role in the design and development of new year-long science curricular units for grades K-2 as part of a multi-institutional project. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in designing and writing science curricula for the elementary grades as well as candidates with experience designing culturally- and linguistically-sustaining instructional materials for the elementary grades. The position - which could be carried out remotely - is for one year from start of hire, and renewable up to 2.5 years. This full or part time curriculum writer will work with the K-2 development team led by Drs. Amelia Wenk Gotwals and Tanya S. Wright. OpenSciEd Elementary is a 3.5 year curriculum and professional learning materials development project funded by the National Center for Civic Innovation. This project aims to create high quality materials aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that are freely available and locally adaptable for teaching grades K-5 science. We encourage interested applicants to learn more about OpenSciEd. Michigan State University is a collaborating organization within the OpenSciEd Elementary Developers Consortium, along with Northwestern University, BSCS Science Learning, University of Texas at Austin, Oakland University, Horizon Research, Inc. and Carolina Biological Supply Company. The Michigan State University Team is leading K-2 curriculum development, K-5 literacy integration and text development, and K-5 integration of assessment.
Responsibilities:
The curriculum writer will: • design, write, and revise instructional materials for K-2 science units.
This includes engaging in a process that includes a) initial design, b) identifying appropriate science resources (such as data sets, videos, and photos) that will support student learning, c) writing teacher-facing and student facing text, and d) final production.
• Work collaboratively with other curriculum design team members and lesson writers
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -elementary education or science
Minimum Requirements
Master's degree in elementary education and/or science education • Experience teaching and/or working with teachers in the area of science and literacy at the elementary school level • Understanding of three-dimensional, phenomenon-driven and problem-driven science teaching and learning as called for by the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards • Excellent writing and oral communication skills
Desired Qualifications
Experience developing and/or enacting NGSS-aligned science curriculum at the elementary level (i.e., grades K-5). • Experience managing teams and collaborating with others across a variety of contexts
Required Application Materials
Interested candidates should submit a: (a) cover letter describing your relevant background, as well as your interest in and potential contribution to the project, (b) curriculum vitae or resume, and (c) a list of three professional references and their contact information (letters are not necessary in application)
Special Instructions
Inquiries should be sent to Dr. Amelia Wenk Gotwals (gotwals@msu.edu) and Dr. Tanya S. Wright (tswright@msu.edu).
Review of Applications Begins On
08/30/2023
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
education.msu.edu
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
