Interlochen Center for the Arts seeks a visionary and committed leader for the R.B. Annis Department of Math and Science.
Date: Commencing August 1, 2010
Math and Science at Interlochen Arts Academy (IAA): IAA is a unique arts education and performance environment unlike any other in America. Total Academy enrollment is 500 students, and there are seven full and part-time teachers in the math and science department. The math and science program at Interlochen offers courses from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus and biology, chemistry, advanced chemistry, physics and ecology. Classes meet 4 days a week for 50 minutes with evening tutorial one day a week and flexible teaching time every other Thursday morning. Most students take math and science courses throughout their entire time at Interlochen, and enrollments in math and science are growing. Throughout the year, math and science teachers collaborate on various lessons with faculty in different academic and arts areas. There is a strong emphasis on making course work relevant to situations students will encounter in the real world as well as to their study of a particular art form. The science department organizes a very successful annual ecology trip to Belize during spring break.
The math and science department has enjoyed a long relationship with the R.B. Annis Foundation of Indianapolis, a foundation deeply committed to science education. In December 2009 the Foundation made a substantial gift on top of previous other gifts to endowment, and in appreciation Interlochen named the math science program the R.B. Annis Department of Math and Science, the first named program in Interlochen history. The endowment, when fully realized, will provide unique resources for the math and science program.
Facilities: The 1200 ICA acre wooded campus has undergone a $24 million capital expansion in recent years, upgrading buildings, infrastructure, technology and support systems. The math and science facilities are located in one of the three academic classroom rotundas along the Main Concourse. A network of trails and outdoor ecology areas support a strong environmental science program.
Responsibilities: This full time administrative position reports to the Vice President for Education Programs and includes part-time (three classes) teaching responsibilities in biology or in math. During the Academy school year the Director is responsible for:
-recruiting, hiring, orienting and evaluating all math and science faculty and staff
-providing innovative leadership in the direction, evaluation and development of the math and science program: curriculum, texts, resources and both real time and virtual learning experiences for students
-working in a rich cross-disciplinary environment to align the math and science department with other academic and artistic disciplines
-monitoring and supporting the work of highly creative students with diverse learning styles
-developing and managing the annual departmental budget
-purchasing and distributing supplies for the department
-maintaining and updating all science equipment and supplies
-furthering the professional growth of the department faculty
-advocating and representing the math and science program to senior administration, alumni and donors
-balancing competing program agendas and needs among a gifted and passionate faculty
-advancing new ideas and visions in a highly competitive international environment
-creating and supporting interdisciplinary initiatives across the other academic and artistic divisions
-working with ICA leadership in presentations, public broadcasting and Interlochen College to build a virtual presence for the math and science program through broadcasting, podcasts, seminars and distributed media
The Director teaches three classes during the Academy school year. At this time, these classes must be in the area of either biology or mathematics.
All faculty are expected to work with the students outside their teaching responsibilities, compensating for parental absence and assisting the residence hall staff in the development of students' total experience at Interlochen.
Qualifications: The successful candidate should possess an advanced degree in math and/or biology with proven leadership in teaching and administrative experience. In addition, the Director must:
-possess significant knowledge of the trends, practices and pedagogies of math and science education
-be interested in and willing to build strong networks and partnerships with the other educators in the fields of math and science.
-demonstrate exceptional written and spoken communication skills;
-relate to, motivate and energize students;
-communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues
Compensation and Benefits: A nationally competitive salary and benefit package is being offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application: A letter of application explaining the candidate's interest in the position, a current resume, a statement of teaching philosophy and a listing of references should be sent to:
James A. Perez
Assistant Director, Human Resources
Director of Math and Science Search
Interlochen Center for the Arts
PO Box 199
Suite K
Interlochen, Michigan 49643
Review of materials will commence February 15, 2010 and will be ongoing until the position is filled. Materials submitted will be held in strictest confidence, and references will not be contacted without the permission of the applicant.
