Science Education Specialist – Computer Science

Staff – Non Union

Job Category

M&P – AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried – Educational Programming, Level B

Job Title

Science Education Specialist – Computer Science

Department

Administrative Management | Department of Computer Science | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$5,468.83 – $7,878.17 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 11, 2021

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Please apply with covering letter to the attention of Cinda Heeren, Associate Head for Undergraduate Affairs

Job Summary

The position is a Faculty of Science-funded education specialist (SES) embedded in the Computer Science Department. The candidate will bring expertise in assessment, education technology, and/or pedagogy from their own background, all of which will be augmented with Skylight-coordinated professional development workshops and ongoing mentoring from Skylight leadership and peers. Interest in modern assessment strategies is strongly desired. Expertise in Computer Science is optional, but if present may result in opportunities for classroom teaching. The SES will mentor faculty in the use of innovative teaching methods and materials, and evaluate their efficacy.

The SES will serve as a resource, guide, and support for departmental strategic educational innovation projects, which may include training for and evaluating broad deployment of novel educational technologies.

Organizational Status

Appointment in the Computer Science Department in the Faculty of Science (FoS). Reports jointly to a faculty supervisor in the Computer Science department and to the Director of Skylight or designate. Works closely with faculty members and other members of instructional teams (e.g., teaching assistants) and students who may be hired to help with projects. Interacts with peer members of Skylight in other departments and the central unit. May supervise teaching assistants and/or research assistants.

Work Performed

Instructional guidance:
Advise and support faculty in developing and implementing new courses and course materials, transforming and improving existing courses, and revising and coordinating revision of curriculum at a course and/or program level

Advise and support faculty teaching activities and teaching and learning development projects

collect, distill, and communicate data to guide faculty/department efforts including the design of evaluation tools (concept questions, surveys, focus group questions, etc.)

advise/collaborate with faculty on teaching and learning project proposal development (e.g., large and small TLEFs, development grants)

liaise with Skylight and CTLT to coordinate relevant educational technology support and administrative assistance

prepare departmental reports on pedagogical projects and/or initiatives

coordinate departmental activities towards the achievement of the departmental vision around teaching and learning

Faculty and Teaching Assistant development:
coach and consult with faculty to instruct them in inclusive and evidence-based practices, possibly as part of a paired instructing arrangement

serve as a resource for inclusive and evidence-based practice

provide formative, informal expert feedback to instructors on their teaching

develop and deliver professional development workshops for faculty and teaching assistants

Facilitate the professional development of faculty in the area of teaching and learning through workshops and one-on-one consultations, providing expertise and support in the planning, designing and implementing of inclusive and evidence-based teaching practices and resources, and by measuring the effectiveness of such interventions.

Discipline-based education research (DBER):
design educational research experiments and collect relevant data for course projects and publish newly developed instruments or implementation of novel methods,

consult and collaborate on scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and DBER efforts undertaken by faculty

disseminate scholarly work in collaboration with faculty through presenting at national and international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Community building:
facilitate faculty members’ communication and consensus building around teaching and learning in their department,

liaise across Science departments and with colleagues at other institutions in the same discipline,

serving on committees related to departmental teaching and learning activities

organize and participate in department activities related to instructional practice such as discussion series, science education seminars, reading groups etc.

Participate in centrally-organized work and activities , including collaborating on FoS-wide projects, actively participating in the community of their peers across departments, attending/contributing to Skylight meetings, Supper Series and the Science Education Open House each April, serving on committees as needed.

As part of the larger teaching improvement mission, may be asked occasionally to instruct in courses that are under development/study and have been identified as in need of pedagogical advancement (this would be less than one (up to three credits) course a year, at most twice (up to six credits) in a three year time span, and would be done under an Honorary Lecturer appointment)

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Participates in the assessment of program offerings and evaluations of teaching that will impact the success of the teaching programs and improve the teaching ability of faculty members.

Supervision Received

The role reports jointly to both Skylight Director and Department Head, or designates. The incumbent will work under general guidelines. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement and effectiveness of the department’s educational goals.

Supervision Given

This role provides guidance and advice to faculty members and other instructors on pedagogical skills, teaching practices and curriculum. May supervise TAs, UTAs, GRAs, URAs who may be hired to support DBER and SoTL projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduate degree in computer science or related field is preferred so that the incumbent will have sufficient knowledge of the subject to better provide relevant pedagogical guidance in the courses taught. Must have knowledge of current pedagogical research and best practices in teaching. Experience working in an instructional capacity (instructor or teaching assistant) with undergraduates. Experience in curriculum development and assessment of learning. Experience in evaluation. Experience with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and other educational technologies.

Ability to lead change by helping to implement a vision and taking appropriate action to ensure acceptance and support.

Ability to instruct and provide training in pedagogical best practices.

Ability to initiate and conduct research projects.

Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide recommendations.

Must have good assessment and evaluation skills.

Must be able to give effective presentations.

Must have excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Must have good management and organization skills.

Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.

Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

Must have experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.