Science & Mathematics Faculty Job Description

Higher Education in Partnerships: Providing Opportunities for Teachers to Consider Teaching Science, Mathematics and Technology

Teacher education in science, mathematics, and technology must be a career-long process. The upgrade of teachers knowledge and skills is an essential feature of the careers of all teachers. In contractual arrangements similar to those between industry and higher education, the institutions of higher education in partnerships could develop and offer ongoing, integrated professional development programs that are geared specifically to the needs of teachers of science, mathematics, and technology.

College faculty have the equipment and expertise that is needed to offer higher level courses to practicing teachers, who need to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter they teach. The more experienced teachers are likely to be prepared for such courses, as they will be more motivated and better prepared to learn about more abstract issues. The combination of faculty from the life and physical sciences, schools of education, and master teachers could help to increase levels of professional and intellectual growth that would be nearly impossible for other programs of similar nature.

Through programs and incentives, partnerships could become important catalysts that encouraged high-achieving local students to consider careers in science, mathematics, or technology. The partnerships could provide opportunities for local students to interact with their mentor teachers who are involved in the partnership. Prospective teacher candidates could visit and participate in university-sponsored recruiting programs during the school year, on weekends, or during summers, if partnerships are used.

Advanced degrees in mathematics are desirable for scientists and business professionals

Science and technology, business, retail, healthcare, and more are all industries that use mathematics. Thomas Goulding, lead faculty member for Northeastern University's programs in artificial intelligence and analytics, says that people with advanced degrees in math are very desirable for their skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. Industry roles are not the same as you might think.

People with an advanced degree in mathematics and an interest in technology may work as computer programmers, software developers, or data scientists. If you have a business interest, you may be able to work as auditors, financial analysts, or medical scientists in the healthcare industry. Medical scientists use a variety of methods to research their findings.

A medical scientist who performs cancer research may experiment with a combination of drugs that could slow a cancer's progress. Medical scientists need a strong background in life sciences, physical sciences, and math. Actuaries use math, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty.

Mathematicians in the Information and Finance Sectors

Figuring out unexplained issues in mathematics is a research done by theoretical mathematicians. They are interested in exploring new areas and relationships of mathematical theories to increase knowledge and understanding. Knowledge they develop can be used in many ways in scientific and engineering achievements.

Most people with a degree in mathematics are not mathematicians. They work in fields and professions. They are known as computer programmers or systems analysts in the computer systems design and related services industries.

They are known as quantitative analysts in finance. People with a PhD in mathematics can work as postsecondary teachers in education institutions. They usually have a mix of teaching and research responsibilities.

Some may do research with other professors. They may work from different locations or from the same institution. A master's degree or a doctorate is required for mathematicians in private industry.

Candidates for federal government jobs need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics or significant coursework in mathematics. A bachelor's degree in mathematics is offered by most colleges and universities. Linear and abstract algebra are included in courses.

Teaching Demonstration: How to Practice Your Research Seminar in Front of Students

It is an all-too-familiar scenario. A biology department faculty position has an excellent research seminar that shows skill in formulating a hypothesis, carrying out meaningful research, analyzing data, forming conclusions, andTranslating work into the larger picture of science and society. The candidate in the teaching demonstration portion of the interview delivers a presentation with too many slides, each of which is packed with factual information.

The candidate presents conclusions and asks if the audience has any questions. The job candidate expects the audience to sit and absorb knowledge. It is difficult to remember that you are not being judged on the amount of knowledge you can convey, but on how well you can teach the process of science, using the subject you are discussing.

Just as you practice your research talk in front of your peers, you should also present your teaching demonstration to your colleagues, who are more focused on teaching. Seasoned teachers have a lot of experience and information that can help you organize your teaching session in a way that is easy to understand effective at helping students learn. If you can, you can practice your talk in front of students.