The position, described below, is one of two new positions currently being sought; the other is a faculty position.    Agriculture and agriscience education is extremely diverse across the state.  Some exciting programs are underway and there is potential for many others.  Please contact Dr. Shari Dann, Search Committee Chair, for additional information.

CARRS - ANR Education TEACHING SPECIALIST

Posting Date:   Mar 5, 2008
Posting Number:   ANR-1713

Continuing System, 12-month basis, 100% time.
Salary commensurate with qualifications

DUTIES:  The Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies (CARRS) seeks a Teaching Specialist who will provide leadership and assistance necessary to foster the development of agriscience and natural resources (ANR) education in the state of Michigan. This specialist's work will reflect the State of Michigan's vision for ANR education, the mission statements of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and the CARRS Department, and the mission of the Michigan agriculture and natural resource educational leadership entity Team ANR.  Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

¨      Work with the CARRS faculty/staff team advancing the secondary agriscience and natural resources education program;

¨      Instruct up to four courses in the field of agriscience and natural resources education, including, but not limited to, courses during the students' internship (student teaching) year (teaching appointment = approximately 50-60%);

¨      Assist CARRS faculty/staff with research projects in support of ANR education and related to the Specialist's core duties, such as experiences, pre-service teacher development, and other topics approximately 10-15%);

¨      Assist the Undergraduate Affairs and Curriculum Committee in CARRS to implement student recruitment and retention, and assist with student organizations and educational activities;

¨      Assist the ANR education team and its partners with teacher inservice/professional development, volunteer training, youth events, and other activities (e.g., FFA, 4-H), when available;

¨      Collaborate with Extension/4-H Program Leaders responsible for agriculture and natural resource-related areas regarding best practices and scholarship for youth leadership/development, teacher development, and volunteer training;

¨      Participate in professional development activities in order to maintain effectiveness, to maintain a disciplinary competence in an educational role, and to communicate with stakeholders;

¨      Assist CARRS faculty/staff with writing to advance ANR education (such as reports, grants or articles);

¨      Other duties as assigned.

This is not a tenure track position, but is within the continuing appointment academic specialist system. If the candidate is reappointed after two 3-year probationary periods, he/she may receive continuing appointment status as an academic specialist.  Appointment: 85% General Fund; 15% MSU Extension.

Michigan State University strives to enhance the student experience; enrich community, economic, and family life; expand international reach; increase research opportunities, and strengthen stewardship. Our pursuit of our goals will always be guided by the academic heritage and values that tie the rich history of Michigan State University to our present and our future. Foremost of our values are quality, inclusiveness, and connectivity.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Minimum requirements include

¨      a Master's Degree in agriculture and natural resources education or equivalent; Leadership experience in education programming;

¨      At least 3 years of successful secondary teaching experience in agriscience and natural resources education or related field;

¨      tenured or recommended for tenure within a school system or vocational/technical education center;

¨      Experience working as a mentor teacher with interns is preferred;

¨      Ability to work effectively and collegially, and to work both independently and collaboratively;

¨      Ability to think creatively and be open to new ideas, current research and best practices in ANR education;

¨      willingness to foster positive change and inclusivity; and a proven commitment to support and implement programs that foster and sustain diversity within ANR education;

¨      Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and technology competencies to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in ANR education, including teacher organizations, ANR groups/industry/agencies, and colleagues in CANR and the MSU College of Education;

¨      Ability to work and travel to some evening and weekend events and conferences.

APPLICATION:  Due April 15, 2008.  Late submissions will be considered if a suitable candidate pool is not identified by the deadline.  MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.  MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and person with disabilities.  To apply for the position, submit electronic files of the following materials:  cover letter detailing statement of interest and qualifications, a curriculum vitae, and 3 letters of reference to sldann@msu.edu (Shari L. Dann, Chair of Search Committee for ANR Education Specialist, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, 147B Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, 517-432- 0267.)