GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Postdoctoral Position Description

www.gvsu.edu/math/

Position: Postdoctoral Teaching Fellowship

Description: This position is designed to offer candidates the opportunity to develop broad instructional and scholarly potential in a department committed to excellence in the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics. In particular, the position affords a variety of new experiences in teaching courses across the curriculum along with time to reflect upon practice, to investigate a range of instructional techniques, and to grow and develop as a teacher. The fellowship is a visiting position with an initial one-year contract that can be renewed for up to two additional years, with no possibility for renewal thereafter. Instructional development experiences will include guidance in the use of technology, the use of cooperative learning in the classroom, the development of student projects and activities, and more. Fellows will have the opportunity to teach a range of undergraduate courses  in mathematics or mathematics education, depending upon the candidates interest and expertise  and to work in close mentoring relationships with department faculty. In addition to receiving structured mentoring centered on instruction, fellows will explore avenues for scholarship through interactions with current faculty. During the first year, fellows will present a regular seminar in their area of professional expertise, giving several talks each semester, and, after the first year, fellows are expected to participate in appropriate service activities, such as coordinating a multi-sectioned course or serving in an observational role on a department committee.

Qualifications: Doctorate in the Mathematical Sciences or Mathematics Education by August 2013 (preference will be given to more recent doctoral recipients); evidence of reflective thinking about the teaching and/or learning of mathematics; and commitment to continued growth as a teacher and scholar.

Responsibilities: Postdoctoral fellows have a reduced teaching load of 9 hours per semester and are expected to pursue an active program of scholarship. After the first year, fellows will participate in appropriate department service activities. Employment will begin August 2013.

Department: Grand Valley State University and the Department of Mathematics emphasize teaching excellence. The department offers an undergraduate major in mathematics that includes emphases leading to elementary or secondary teaching certification. We also offer courses in support of other undergraduate majors, the universitys general education program, and select university graduate programs. Ours is a collegial climate where approximately twenty mathematicians and a dozen mathematics educators work cooperatively in one department. During Fall 2012, we had over 490 mathematics majors, of whom roughly 72% were pursuing an emphasis in elementary or secondary education. The department is committed to creating a student-centered learning environment and to engaging students in mathematics beyond the classroom. Faculty in the department use diverse teaching methods including the use of manipulatives, technology, and cooperative learning. Class sizes are small with all classes having fewer than 35 students. Computer facilities are extensive, and each classroom includes wireless and network access with overhead digital projectors and full audio and visual capabilities. Faculty members in the department pursue a broad range of scholarship including: traditional research in mathematics or mathematics education; research with undergraduates (e.g., the department has hosted an NSF REU for the past ten years); the scholarship of teaching; textbook and software development; and the writing and implementation of internal, state, and national proposals and grants. For more information about the department (including our mission statement), see https://www.gvsu.edu/math/.

How To Apply: A complete application must include: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a reflective statement on teaching with goals for future growth as an instructor; (3) a vita; (4) a copy of graduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable); and (5) three letters of recommendation, with at least two attesting to the applicants teaching ability and potential. Send these materials to:

Postdoctoral Search Committee

Department of Mathematics

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI 49401-9403

Candidates from groups underrepresented in mathematics are especially encouraged to apply. Review of completed applications will begin February 22, 2013 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Contact: For more information or to ask questions, please contact the search committee chair, Akalu Tefera, at (616) 331-3746 or [email protected].