ASIM Physical Sciences Specialist

The ASIM Physical Sciences Specialist supports schools by providing professional learning, educator support, and instructional materials needed to implement the current Alabama Course of Study Standards: Science. ASIM is the high school science component of AMSTI, the Alabama State Department of Education’s initiative to improve STEM teaching statewide, including improvements in the individualized and integrated STEM subjects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

EDUCATOR SUPPORT:
• Facilitate and/or participate in professional learning for teachers and/or administrators based on assignments and/or LEA needs, including online options during the school year and summer trainings.
• Provide ongoing professional learning to AMSTI/ASIM lead teachers, certified AMSTI facilitators and/or instructional coaches through professional learning communities and coaching cycles.
• Assist Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) with planning and conducting pre-service and continuing education/outreach activities.
• Provide frequent, ongoing support and coaching to teachers, AMSTI/ASIM lead teachers, certified AMSTI facilitators, instructional coaches, and/or administrators based on assignments and/or LEA needs (in situations where the specialist is leading the classroom or team teaching, the classroom teacher must always be present).
• Assist AMSTI teachers in effectively using common planning time and Professional Learning Communities to improve instruction.
• Assist in recruiting new AMSTI/ASIM teachers and/or facilitators.
• Conduct research on the effects of current science and/or DLCS practices in AMSTI/ASIM classrooms, as requested by the ALSDE.
• Coordinate work through the AMSTI Site Director, collaborate with other specialists and communicate with all stakeholders.
• Achieve and maintain proficiency in all standards, pedagogical content knowledge, and AMSTI lessons and practices through AMSTI-ALSDE and approved outside professional learning opportunities, based on the guidelines.
• Maintain records (including financial) and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and promotion of AMSTI resources according to the resource development and PR guidelines.
• Communicate with AMSTI Site Director/PI and ALSDE in advance as it pertains to retirement or resignation plans (under normal circumstances, a minimum of six-month advance notice is requested).
• Specialist responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed in all categories above; specialists may be required to perform other duties as assigned by the AMSTI Site Director or AMSTI-ALSDE.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING:
• Assist AMSTI-ALSDE in developing and maintaining common professional learning offerings and supporting resources for AMSTI and/or for the ALSDE, including online options.
• Participate in AMSTI professional learning activities and staff meetings conducted by the ALSDE and Site Director, unless prior approval for absence is granted.
• Assist AMSTI teachers in effectively using common planning time and Professional Learning Communities to improve instruction.
• Assist in recruiting new AMSTI/ASIM teachers and/or facilitators
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
• Work with materials managers and ASIM materials coordinator to make site-level decisions based on teacher needs/requests.
• Coordinate the preparation, delivery, pick up, and maintenance of lesson materials and equipment so they are readily available for classroom use, including delivery vehicle maintenance.
• Provide feedback to the ALSDE regarding customization of kits and materials to make them teacher/classroom friendly.
• Participate in the lesson revision and/or development process.
GENERAL DUTIES:
• Maintain records (including financial) and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and promotion of AMSTI resources according to the resource development and PR guidelines.
• Communicate with AMSTI Site Director/PI and ALSDE in advance as it pertains to retirement or resignation plans (under normal circumstances, a minimum of six-month advance notice is requested).
• Specialist responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed in all categories above; specialists may be required to perform other duties as assigned by the AMSTI Site Director or AMSTI-ALSDE.

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Physical Sciences or education specialty area, 7 or more years of full-time verifiable teaching experience with the majority in Physical Sciences in an Alabama public middle school or high school, or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience.
• Must have a valid Alabama Teachers’ Certification in Physical Sciences or General Science-Secon