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The Teaching Opportunity of a Lifetime
The 2009 faculty has been selected. Please check back in November for 2010 openings.
The Summer Science Program seeks faculty to help inspire tomorrow's scientists. SSP is an intensive, six-week residential enrichment program for some of the most motivated and academically gifted students in the world -- bright young people who will enroll in highly selective colleges and later go on to leadership positions in science and other professions. Since 1959 many have cited the program as a major turning point in their lives.
SSP's design has evolved gradually to incorporate new technologies, but its major components have remained remarkably stable for fifty years. On each of two campuses, in Ojai, California, and Socorro, New Mexico, two senior faculty (Academic Director and Associate Academic Director) lecture in astronomy, calculus, physics, and programming. A Site Director provides residential and logistical support. Four Teaching Assistants have important front-line roles in both academic and residential aspects. Field trips and guest speakers (on a wide variety of subjects) round out the curriculum.
All faculty receive salary, housing, meals, and travel reimbursement.
The Summer Science Program is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse faculty and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
2009 Faculty dates are:
Click here to download the SSP Employee Application (in Word .doc format)
Click here to download a job opening announcement (in Acrobat .pdf format) suitable for physics & astronomy department bulletin boards.
Lecturing Faculty
The curriculum includes lectures in general physics (celestial mechanics), mathematics (introductory calculus), astronomy (focus on observational astronomy), introductory programming (usually in open-source VPython), and other subjects (e.g. modern physics) according to faculty interest and time available. Lecture outlines are provided for core material. The Academic Director and Associate Academic Director at each campus divide this courseload according to respective interests. Together they give students sufficient background to perform an asteroid orbit determination from first principles using their own observations, measurements, and software. During the winter and spring, faculty participate in hiring TAs and evaluating applicants, and attend a weekend planning meeting.
Qualified candidates will have a strong interest in science education, demonstrated teaching ability, enthusiasm, and energy. A PhD in a physical science, and experience teaching gifted high school students, are preferred but not required. Interested individuals should send a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, campus preference (if any), and the names and contact information for three references to:
Dr. Thomas Steiman-Cameron, SSP Trustee
Astronomy Dept, Indiana University
(812) 855-2400, tsteiman-cameron [at] ssp [dot] org
Site Director
The Site Director manages student residential life (behavior, health) and special event logistics (guest lectures, field trips, closing exercises), working closely with the Executive Director, academic faculty, and host campus personnel. Candidates should have 5+ years of experience working with high school students, preferably including some experience in a residential setting (boarding school or summer program). The position is ideal for a science teacher seeking a change of pace and a chance to work with bright and motivated young scientists. Preference is given to candidates living at or near the respective SSP campus.
Send curriculum vitae, application, and dates available to:
Summer Science Program
Richard D. Bowdon, Executive Director
108 Whiteberry Dr
Cary, NC 27519
voicemail (866) 728-0999, info [at] summerscience [dot] org
Teaching Assistants (openings in Ojai, CA and Socorro, NM)
Teaching Assistants act as tutors and mentors, and assist students in using astronomical equipment and personal computers, under the direction of two senior faculty. They also organize recreational and social activities, and deliver one or more lectures on topics of their own choosing.
Applicants should be graduate students, graduating seniors, or rising college seniors, majoring in physical science or engineering. SSP alumni are especially encouraged to apply.
Send curriculum vitae, application, and dates available to:
Summer Science Program
Richard D. Bowdon, Executive Director
108 Whiteberry Dr
Cary, NC 27519
voicemail (866) 728-0999, info [at] summerscience [dot] org
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