Professional Learning Specialist

The Professional Learning Specialist provides professional learning offerings across the STEM disciplines that are informed by data and support iterative reflective teaching practices, working with teachers and with future teachers in the Master of Science in Teaching Program, which is offered by the RiSE Center. The Professional Learning Specialist also supports the planning and facilitating of RiSE Center events, including annual conferences. The RiSE Center is an interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Research Center located at the University of Maine. The Center brings together STEM faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students, K-12 teachers, and collaborators to conduct education research, provide evidence-based, professional learning, and coordinate programs to improve STEM education at all levels of instruction. Typical hiring range for this part-time, soft-money funded position is $26,000 to $27,500 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here .

Qualifications:
Required:

• Hold a BS or BA or equivalent in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) discipline or in STEM education, or closely related field.
• Participated in high-quality professional learning experiences for teachers.
• Demonstrate effectiveness as a STEM educator and in-depth understanding of science and/or mathematics concepts taught in standards-based instruction.
• Demonstrate ability to successfully work independently and as part of a team, multi-task, prioritize workload, and function effectively in a dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrate exceptionally strong organizational abilities and written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Develop and maintain collaborative professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect with internal and external constituencies.

Preferred:

• Preference will be given to those who are familiar with discipline-based education research and guided inquiry instruction in STEM.
• Previous successful experience coordinating professional learning for teachers.
• Use of a variety of software including, but not limited to, Google Suite and other proprietary software such as Claris FileMaker.

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on February 14, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Elizabeth Byers Small at elizabeth.byerssmall@maine.edu .

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).