The STEM Education Center

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE), in conjunction with the STEM Education Center at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), seeks applicants to represent Massachusetts on a new Math and Science/Technology/Engineering (STE) Ambassadors team. Over the last two years, Massachusetts has adopted new Math and STE Curriculum Frameworks. The Ambassadors will be a part of the implementation process. 

The Math and STE Ambassadors will provide leadership in their districts and with a partner district. ESE and WPI will select up to 20 Math Ambassadors and 15 STE Ambassadors representing a diverse spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, and regions across the Commonwealth. Ambassadors will be required to attend six days of Ambassador Academy meetings between April 2018 and June 2019. The Academies will prepare Ambassadors to produce deliverables with support from their cross-school teams. The first two Academies are scheduled for April 11th, 2018 & June 12th, 2018 (9:00 - 3:00).
Four additional Academies will be scheduled during the 2018-2019 academic year, dates TBD in consultation with the Ambassadors.

Ambassador’s responsibilities and deliverables:

1.    Ambassadors will attend 6 Academies between April 2018-June 2019.

2.    Ambassadors will recruit 5- 8 educators from within district to be part of a task development team; these teachers should represent the following grade bands:

a.    Grades 4th-8th for math, from all critical areas of math.

b.    Grades 6th-12th for STE, from all science domains (life, physical, ESS, tech/engineering).

3.    Ambassadors will lead a minimum of 5 cross-school professional development sessions for the task development team to guide those teachers in development and piloting of the following tasks:

a.    For math: Minimum of 8 tasks aligned with 2017 MA math curriculum frameworks.

b.    For STE: Minimum of 5 tasks aligned with the 2016 MA STE curriculum frameworks.

4.    All tasks will be posted to the ESE website for public use.

5.    During the 2018-19 school year, Ambassadors will initiate two additional instances of collaboration with neighboring district/school teams of their choice to share the work and their associated tasks (presentations, sharing of resources, reviewing student work, rubric development, data analysis, etc.).

6.    It is highly recommended that Math Ambassadors attend the Middle Grades Math Institute on June 5th, 2018 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Ambassadors will be serving as representatives of ESE and they are the face of this program with participating districts. Therefore, Ambassadors should strive to implement and promote this program with fidelity and enthusiasm. To ensure quality and consistency, Ambassadors should be aware that ESE staff may attend Ambassador-led professional development.

We encourage applications from teacher leaders, coaches, department heads, curriculum coordinators, and administrators from all regions of the state. Working together with others in different roles and regions strengthens collegial discussions and instigates creative action. The ability to organize vertical teams across schools is crucial to this project’s success. 

Please complete an application and upload all required documents by the end of the day Monday, March 26th, 2018 (extended) through the following link: http://bit.ly/2HXk8Oo  

We will make selections and provide notifications by Friday, March 30th, 2018.

       Ambassador Expectations (in addition to attending trainings, tasks development, and PD delivery):

  • Submit quarterly reflections on their learning and work
  • Share resources that may support the work of their peer Ambassadors
  • Respond to email inquiries and requests in a timely manner
  • Meet deadlines for deliverables described above
  • Communicate and collaborate with ESE and WPI on any matter related to the program

    Ambassador Benefits:
  • Ambassadors have the opportunity to assist other teachers and improve the education of many students across the state.
  • MA Professional Development Points for participating in Ambassador Academy meetings.
  • Ambassadors receive a stipend of $3,000 to support the work associated with Ambassador task development and to defray travel expenses. Stipends may be pro-rated for unanticipated partial participation.
  • Districts are encouraged to use already scheduled professional development time for this work.  Districts can apply for reimbursement, up to $2,000, for substitute coverage for the Ambassador, and/or to support work outside of school time for teachers involved in the task development team.
  • Ambassadors will work closely and be supported by the STEM Education Center at WPI and ESE.
  • Each Ambassador will be supported by a WPI Master Teacher, to guide and support the development of the tasks.
  • Ambassadors will expand their network of accomplished colleagues by collaborating with other Ambassadors and their task development team.

Required Experience:

  • At least five years of math or STE teaching experience
  • Successful experience in development, preparation and delivery of professional development to teachers and/or school leaders
  • Experience with developing standards-aligned curriculum
  • School leadership experience

Required Knowledge/Skills:

  • Familiarity with 4th-8th grade standards in the 2017 Mathematics Curriculum Framework or familiarity with 6th-12th grade standards in the 2016 Science & Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework
  • Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with Massachusetts educators

Questions?
For Math Ambassador questions, please contact Leah Tuckman at MathAmbassadors@doe.mass.edu   
For STE Ambassador questions, please contact Nicole Scola at scienceambassadors@doe.mass.edu  
For general logistical questions, please contact Mia Dubosarsky at mdubosarsky@wpi.edu