Posted: August 26, 2010

This position has the responsibility to assist the Chief of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Initiative as a lead coordinator for the implementation of initiatives to improve student performance in mathematics at the middle and high school level. In addition, the position works through a sustainability plan to support increased STEM opportunities in schools. This position is responsible for improving teaching and learning by building capacity at the state, district, and school levels. Key responsibilities in this position include providing programmatic guidance, coordination, and information to the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Institutions of Higher Education, and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the area of middle and high school mathematics. The responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (50%)
• Serving as a mathematics leader for middle and high schools in assigned Region and contributing to the creation of program goals and objectives to effectively implement STEM programs
• Conducting the research, design, implementation, and evaluation of current and long-range plans, guidelines, and policies in accordance with federal and state laws and policies in regards to mathematics
• Contributing to the design, development, and piloting of programs on the basis of national and state reports, trends, economic conditions, future needs, educational research findings, and state and federal legislative or policy developments
• Preparing reports and providing information on progress in meeting established STEM goals and objectives in the assigned Region
• Ensuring that all activities are aligned with existing educational reform efforts within the state, such as school improvement initiatives, higher education initiatives, and the state’s accountability system
• Supporting statewide taskforces and, when needed, representing the Department on various councils, advisory groups, and committees
• Working in conjunction with other offices/divisions on issues, projects, and programs affecting STEM in middle and high schools
• Reviewing ongoing research projects and grants of LEAs, universities and non-profit agencies funded by the LDOE to ensure goals, objectives and activities are being met and implemented based on established timelines and benchmarks
• Assisting in seeking funds to enhance mathematics through grant writing
• Assisting in coordinating the design of the evaluation of programs which include performance indicators and measures of progress on such indicators

Information and Data Collection, Analysis, and Dissemination (25%)
• Analyzing and reporting the effects of state and national programs and policies on mathematics implementation and instruction in the assigned Regions and recommending policy development and changes
• Collaborating with district administrators and coordinators in order to design and implement data collection
• Determining research projects and reports to be developed based on data received
• Coordinating with the STEM office to assist local superintendents of education, state and local school boards, central office personnel, educators, institutions of higher education, and others on STEM policies and LDOE policies
• Coordinating with the STEM office to assist in the development of state level interventions related to data findings
• Assisting in the preparation of technical reports based on data which would provide information to local education agencies, governmental officials, BESE members, and the general public on the progress of the STEM Office in meeting established goals and objectives

Technical Support (20%)
• Designing and coordinating on-site visits to LEAs as part of the implementation of STEM initiatives
• Conducting office and field conferences to discuss and resolve operating, budgetary, and technical assistance needs
• Providing on-site technical assistance in the use of mathematics software to schools as well as providing assistance via telephone and email to participating LEAs, as needed

Supervisory (5%) • Providing evaluation of performance and efficacy of STEM program participants and their students’ achievement

Desired Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching middle and/or high school mathematics (at least 4 years of teaching experience)
• Demonstrated leadership in educational setting
• Experience presenting effective mathematics professional development for teachers at workshops and/or conferences
• In-depth knowledge of research and best practices associated with mathematics at all levels and with school reform
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience writing educational plans and reports, including grant proposals (preferred)

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé to ldoejobs@la.gov.

Information about additional positions available at the LDOE can be found at: http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/hr/current_job_opps.html.

*Please note that the application process for this position may require completing an application via LA Careers, the Louisiana Civil Service job website. More information will be provided about this process once a resume and cover letter are submitted.