POSITION PROFILE:
Instructor of Chemistry

About the Maine School of Science and Mathematics
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) brings together and helps a group of Maine's most
academically motivated high school students become innovative, well-rounded scholars with the ability to
develop, investigate, and communicate critical ideas that improve the human condition and benefit the state
of Maine. The school builds and shares a rigorous curriculum that exceeds state educational standards while
emphasizing connections between science, mathematics, and the humanities. MSSM extends its mission by
fostering a statewide, year-round community of innovative learners that includes many of Maine's students,
educators, and the general public.

MSSM is a public residential magnet high school chartered and
funded by the Maine State Legislature. A living/learning
community committed to the pursuit of academic excellence,
MSSM provides an extensive and challenging curriculum in
science, mathematics, technology, and the arts and humanities.

The Maine School of Science and Mathematics opened with a
pioneer class in 1995. At that time, it was only the eleventh
statewide residential magnet school specializing in mathematics
and science education in the United States and the only school of
its kind in New England. Both remain true today.

While MSSM students come from diverse backgrounds, one common purpose prevails-the enthusiasm, desire,
and motivation for, as well as the commitment to, learning. The challenging curriculum and stimulating
environment create an ongoing learning experience with students working, studying, and socializing with
classmates who share similar interests and goals. MSSM was created by the 116th Maine Legislature in 1995 and
is a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools. In 2019, U.S. News and World Reports
recognized MSSM as the #2 ranked public high school in the United States.

THE POSITION
As a member of MSSM's STEM Division, you will join talented and dedicated colleagues in
delivering high-quality Chemistry, Biology, and/or Math courses for all students, as well as
provide support, enrichment, and extracurricular opportunities. MSSM students are
intelligent, creative, and engaged, hold high standards for their teachers and school, and
expect a significant voice within the community. Engaging fully with our unique student
body is a privilege and expectation.

Instruction: Teach (2) lab-based Chemistry courses with the option of (1) lab-based Biology or
Mathematics course;
Other Duties: Participate fully in MSSM's living/learning community by attending campus events,
offering office hours, attending meetings, and being available to meet the needs of our students
and community; contribute to extracurricular activities, competitions, guest lectures, field trips, and
other department/school activities;
Advising: Serve as an advisor to a small group of students, acting as the primary point of contact
between advisees' parents and the school;
J=Term: Design and teach a January-Term course (two weeks of immersive learning), or contribute
similarly to the J-Term program by coordinating internships, etc.;
Club Sponsorship: Act as a student club/organization advisor and/or chaperone (student activities
include VEX Robotics, Student Senate, Youth in Government, Girl Up!, and many others; athletic
coaching duties may be substituted);
MSSM offers a sabbatical year to faculty after five years of service.

Specific Responsibilities:

About MSSM STEM Program:
The Maine School of Science & Mathematics, a residential, 9-12 magnet high school, ranked No. 2 in
the nation by US News and World Report in 2019, is seeking a dynamic and passionate Chemistry
Instructor. The mission of the MSSM Science program is to provide a challenging core curriculum in
the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. Diverse electives are also offered to cultivate and sustain
individual student interests. The synergy between our core and elective classes allows for a depth of
inquiry and breadth of discovery that prepares students for the successful study of science at the
college level, and for careers in science, medicine, and engineering. The overarching values of the
MSSM Science Department are as follows: have students actively doing science, offer courses with
breadth and depth of topic coverage that challenges students, and reinforce connections among
mathematics, the sciences, and humanities.

Ability to develop and deliver courses using effective and innovative practices in pedagogy, technology, and
classroom management. Applicant should be willing and able to use appropriate educational technology to engage
students in learning, in both face-to-face and remote settings.
Willingness to support the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of students, a responsibility that goes beyond
the expectations at most traditional high school or colleges and requires a full commitment to participate in the
MSSM Community.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms, as well as specific sensitivity to the unique, multi-
dimensional identities of our student body.
Desire to engage fully in building a student-centered culture of collegiality, support, and respect.

Key Competencies

“Doing science” is a critical part of MSSM science offerings, and the successful candidate should have previous
Chemistry (with lab) teaching experience (5 years) at the secondary/post-secondary level and the ability to offer a
rigorous, but supportive, Chemistry class experience. Preferential consideration will be given to instructors who can
teach not just Chemistry, but also Biology or a Mathematics course.
Creative and cutting edge, ability to work well with curious, quirky, and opinionated high school students.
A minimum of a Master's Degree in Chemistry or a related field and at least five years of exemplary teaching
experience in a formal secondary or post-secondary academic setting.
The ability to inspire students, excellent communication and organizational skills, and a willingness and desire to
work with inquisitive and quirky high school students in a close-knit, residential community.

Qualifications

Attend Team Meetings, Faculty Meetings, All-School Meetings, Department Meeting, and other events;
Regularly monitor, assess, and communicate students' learning progress, providing timely and frequent feedback to
students, parents, and advisors;
Participate fully in the community, attending school events and serving as a supplementary chaperone/driver as
needed;
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and practice of your academic discipline and best practices in pedagogy;
Accommodate and support students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and those requiring short-term
leave from campus;
Effect timely responses to student needs and student/parent communication;
Meet all academic and professional deadlines;
Attend required trainings and professional development;
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism in public image and communication;
Promote a collegial atmosphere of support;
Maintain a publicly-visible digital calendar;
Give, solicit, and receive feedback to/from colleagues, supervisors, students, and families;
Serve on departmental, faculty, and school-wide committees;
Write recommendation letters for students as requested;
Act as a Mandated Reporter of suspected child neglect or abuse;
Follow the school's philosophy, policies, and procedures;
Interact professionally and collegially with our neighboring community school's staff and students;
Comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws in professional and personal life.

Other Responsibilities & Expectations

WHY TEACH AT MSSM?
Advanced & Accelerated Curriculum: Virtually all of MSSM's courses are taught at an undergraduate-

equivalent level and pace, allowing faculty members to intellectually engage with advanced students

around compelling questions and deep topics.

Collaboration: Opportunity to collaborate with inspiring, multi-talented, professional colleagues

across departments.

Academic Freedom: Curricular freedom, no state standardized testing, and the support for faculty to

pursue professional development and original research.

Motivated, Talented Students: MSSM students pass through a selective admissions process and have

persuaded their families they are ready to leave home and live independently as high school students.

MSSM students are talented, engaged, and creative, and are a joy to work with.

Small Class Size: MSSM average section size is 12 students, with most classes capped at 16.

Free Campus-Adjacent Housing: MSSM provides free housing (outside of utility expenses) to faculty

and staff as available. At the time of this posting we have multiple vacancies available for new

employees. Our single-family, multi-bedroom, garaged homes are all within 1/8 mile of the school

building. Maintenance, including mowing and snow plowing, is provided by the school.

Educational Opportunities: MSSM faculty receive fee waivers for dependents wishing to attend

MSSM. Professional development, field trips, conferences, and travel are frequently supported by the

MSSM Foundation.

Work/Life Balance: With a 4/4 teaching load (3/3 for Science) and small classes, MSSM faculty are able

to balance professional and personal life. Outside of scheduled classes, meetings, and office hours,

faculty members are free to come and go from campus and manage their own time.

Family-Friendly Workplace: Partners, depedents, and other family members are welcome on

campus, and MSSM provides a range of benefit packages to support our employees and their families.

Focus on Student and Employee Wellness & Health: All MSSM students and employees are valued

members of the living/learning community, whose well-being and happiness are important to the

school.

Campus Facilities: Access to our makerspace, greenhouse, Olympic-sized indoor pool, fitness

facilities, playing fields, two gymnasiums, and trails.

Quality of Life: Close, professional, and supportive school community, low cost of living, access to

natural resources and outdoor recreation, and a safe and friendly community.

MSSM Teaching Application (https://www.mssm.org/about/employment-opportunities)
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Statement of Educational Philosophy
3 Letters of Recommendation

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted electronically to Tracy Moore, Director of Human Resources, at
moore.tracy@mssm.org. A complete application consists of the following:

Candidates may also include sample syllabi, original research, or other supplemental materials.
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies
may also require a motor vehicle and/or credit check. If the highest degree is from an institution
outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at
www.wes.org or equivalent service. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and
employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

MSSM is a diverse and inclusive community, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry, national origin,
genetic information, or disability in its programs, activities, employment, or advancement.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy Moore, Director of Human Resources, at (207) 325-3303
or email moore.tracy@mssm.org.