Director of Master of Science in Science Education and CLS Teacher Programs

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 27033

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Katie Sutich

Assistant to the Dean

(406) 994-3065

[email protected]

Classification Title

Working Title Director of Master of Science in Science Education and CLS Teacher Programs

Brief Position Overview

The College of Letters and Science is searching for a highly motivated and experienced academic leader to serve as director of the Master of Science in Science Education program, one of the largest and most active master’s programs for K-12 science teachers in the U.S. The director will coordinate participating faculty members across MSU , foster curricular innovation in the program, guide the recruitment and retention of students in the program, and seek external funding opportunities to advance research in secondary STEM education. The director will also provide high-level coordination and vision for support to CLS’s two additional graduate programs for teachers: Mathematical Sciences and English.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank Associate/Full Professor

Position Number TBD

Department MSSE MS Science Education

Division College of Letters & Science

Appointment Type Faculty

Contract Term Academic Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

Contract Type MUS

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Director of the Master of Science in Science Education and CLS Teacher Programs serves as the head of a degree program ( MSSE ) and also provides high-level oversight for CLS graduate teacher programs.

The MSSE is a signature degree program for CLS . The Director works closely with affiliated faculty and staff to maintain, and grow, this successful graduate program serving science educators across Montana and the U.S.

The Director will also provide high-level coordination and vision for the other CLS teacher programs, and help to establish processes and coordination for long-term growth and stability.

Assignment of tenure home department will be determined upon negotiation with the Dean.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a dynamic vision and leadership for the MSSE Program and CLS Teacher Programs, in concert with MSU and CLS strategies priorities.

• Identify and support opportunities to create synergy amongst the CLS programs for secondary teachers.

• Foster a program culture that is participatory and dynamic, and supports staff, faculty, and student excellence.

• Coordinate curriculum and instruction with other departments, programs, and colleges.

• Lead, coordinate, administer and grow recruiting and outreach efforts.

• Direct the MSSE Program, which includes the Master of Science Education option and seven science graduate certificates in science teaching.

• Seek opportunities to advance research in secondary STEM education through extramural funding and publication.

• Manage the MSSE budget (campus, online and certificate program).

• Lead and evaluate the MSSE program team managers, advisors, staff, and instructors.

• Manage the success of field courses and international programs and courses in MSSE .

• Manage MSSE Program assessment.

• Coordinate with the chair of the MSSE Steering Committee.

• Manage the MSSE Summer Capstone Symposium.

• Instruct one or more courses, and advise in the program(s) as appropriate.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• A Ph.D. or doctorate in one of the CLS disciplines or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in graduate education, graduate advising, mentorship, or related activities.

• Demonstrated experience working directly with science educators, K-12 in service teachers, or related activity.

• A record of scholarship and teaching that will qualify for an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with distance learning curriculum and teaching.

• A record of pedagogical and curricular innovation.

• A record of success in building and sustaining interdisciplinary academic programs.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have knowledge of the disciplines and programs represented in MSSE and in the College of Letters and Science and commitment to our vision.

• A record of positive staff and personnel relations and interactions.

• A creative and approachable manner that kindles the innovative spirit of others.

• A strong ability to communicate effectively as exemplified by the candidate’s writing, speaking and listening skills.

• Demonstrated accomplishments in research, scholarship, and innovative partnerships.

• Demonstrated ability to provide analysis of college and university data to inform evidence-based decisions.

• Demonstrate effectiveness in interacting and supporting constituencies from all backgrounds, including students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other groups.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The Program

The Department

MSSE MS Science Education

The College

The College of Letters & Science ( CLS ), the largest center for learning, teaching and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematical, and social sciences.

Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on December 4, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

As part of your application, please upload the following required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

Letters of Recommendation and Reference Calls: All applicants will be required to provide a minimum of three references during the application process. After initial screenings, references for applicants being considered for initial interviews will be contacted by email to request a letter of recommendation (due within one week of email notification; please notify your references in advance). References may also be contacted by phone during the finalist stage.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.