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NC-MSEN has ten centers at state universities across North Carolina that provide professional development activities for mathematics
and science teachers.  Click here to find the center in your area. 

NC-MSEN is committed to providing high quality professional development programs in mathematics and science education that enhance
teacher learning and support state and national educational guidelines. The Network offers nearly 300 activities annually, reaching almost
6,000 teachers per year.

NC-MSEN Professional Development 2009 Major Events

2009– 2010 Statewide Institute for Teaching Excellence (SITE)

NC-MSEN has developed a new series of institutes for teachers of mathematics and science, in collaboration with the NC
Department of Public Instruction, that focus on major themes within the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
These institutes address mathematics and science content knowledge, in conjunction with appropriate and tested pedagogical
and assessment strategies, to help North Carolina teachers deliver the best mathematics and science instruction to the students
of North Carolina.

Please click this link (in pdf format) for a description of the SITE program.

Please click this link (in pdf format) for the new SITE White Paper.

Please click this link (in pdf format) for the 2009-2010 SITE workshop schedule. You can also visit
http://education.uncc.edu/cmste/SITE/ for more information.

2009– 2010 Non-SITE Workshop Schedule

In addition to the SITE programs, individual Professional Development Centers offer a rich assortment of other professional
development opportunities. Here is a listing of those programs. Keep in mind that the Professional Development Center is
responsible for the content and availability of these programs; contact the Center directly for more information about them.

Please click this link (in pdf format) for the 2009-2010 Non-SITE workshop schedule.

NC-MSEN is the Recipient of the 2009 Partnership Award in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education!

Partnership Award in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education is a prestigious award recognizes and honors
North Carolina organizations that have an innovative partnership supporting science, mathematics and technology (SMT)
education.

Recipient of Partnership Award engages in the followings:

• Creating deeper understanding by students or community members of SMT topics
• Promoting active engagement by students or community members
• Addressing an area of need or concern in community or state related to SMT
• Being innovative
• Building capacity in community or across the state
  

The 2009 Partnership Award in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education was presented to NC-MSEN at the
Celebration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology which was held at the Embassy Suites Raleigh/Durham Hotel in
Cary, North Carolina on Saturday, April 18, 2009. A video was presented at the Award Ceremony. Please visit
http://ncsmt.org/newsletter.php?action=Detail&id=399&categoryid=3 (click on the combination of NC-MSEN/
UNC CSLD logo in the upper rigth to launch the video). An offical newsletter can also be found from the given Web link.

Please click here for a press release (in pdf).

To see all the pictures that were submitted to SMT for video presentation, please click this PowerPoint presentation here.

Position Announcement: Center Director of NC-MSEN Center - GAMSEC at NC A&T State University

Title: *Director

*Dept: *Greensboro Area Mathematics and Science Education Center (GAMSEC)

*Position Number: *1242

*Department/Program Overview:*
The College of Arts and Sciences at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University invites applications and
nominations for the 12-month, non-tenure-track position of Director of the Greensboro Area Mathematics and Science
Education Center (GAMSEC). An 1890 Land Grant University located in Greensboro, North Carolina, North Carolina
A&T State University enjoys a long-standing national reputation in learning, discovery and engagement. With a student body
in excess of 10,000 and faculties of 450, A&T offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its eight schools and colleges
in addition to certification and certificate programs. The University, one of the sixteen constituent units of The University of North
Carolina (UNC), is doctoral/research intensive and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
A&T’s strategic vision of Uncompromising Excellence focuses the University on interdisciplinary scholarly activities in a learner-
centered environment. The Greensboro Area Mathematics and Science Education Center (GAMSEC) administers pre-college
programs for high and middle school youths as well as programs for teacher renewal certification. In 2008-09, GAMSEC’s
summer academy had 360 enrolled pre-college students and the Saturday Academy had 160 pre-college students attending
its program.

*Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
*The College of Arts and Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University seeks an imaginative and inspiring Director, who
possesses an established record in secondary education and administration in an educational setting. The Director of the
Greensboro Area Mathematics and Science Education Center (GAMSEC) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the
Center’s operations and programs. This includes managing the Center’s budgets, records, personnel, public relations and report
preparation as well as the planning of the Center’s programs and activities. The director will also be responsible for seeking
extramural funding for the Center. The director chairs a local advisory board for the center, which includes representatives from
local school systems, local education agencies, and local businesses. The Director serves as the University’s liaison with the North
Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network (NC-MSEN) and works closely with the NC-MSEN’s executive director
and other center directors to assure that the Center’s pre-college and teacher renewal certification programs are planned,
implemented, supported and evaluated as part of the Center’s overall operations. The Director teaches one course/semester in
his/her discipline. The Director reports directly to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

*Qualifications:
*Ed.D. or Ph.D. degree in an appropriate discipline. Five to ten years professional experience in science/mathematics secondary
education. Three to five years of administrative assistance in an educational setting.

*Application Procedure:*
Applicants must submit (a) Administrative and Faculty Employment Application

+ <http://74.125.93.104/search?q=cache:TUOBgv2v7P0J:fac.ncat.edu/hr/Documents/Admin-Faculty%2520Employment%2520Packet.doc+http://facultypages.ncat.edu/hr/Documents/&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us>
(on top of that particular Web page you will see a link that will take you to a WORD document where you can type your
information in directly), b) letter of interest, c) complete curriculum vitae, d) 3 letter of reference, e) legible copies of all
undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and f) brief statement of applicant’s vision for sustained excellence and growth in
GAMSEC’s programs. Applications may be emailed (preferred) or by mail to:

Dr. Michael A. Plater, Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
A411 General Classroom Building
North Carolina A&T State University
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27411

EMAIL: maplater@ncat.edu

*Salary:* Competitive

*Application Deadline:* Applications will be reviewed beginning May 1, 2009 with applications accepted until position is filled.

*Position Available:* June 1, 2009

N.C. A&T COMPLIES WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1985. WE HIRE ONLY
UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND LAWFULLY AUTHORIZED Foreign Nationals. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYABILITY AND IDENTITY BASED ON THE LAW.

A criminal conviction check will be required for any applicant who is selected as a finalist for a position. A criminal record
does not necessarily eliminate you from employment with the University. Each conviction will be reviewed with respect to
the offense, circumstances, seriousness, and the position for which you apply.

*North Carolina** A&T State University** is a land-grant doctoral/research intensive institution and AA/EEO employer*

Welcome Dr. Perry Mack as The New Interim Director of NC-MSEN Center - GAMSEC at NC A & T State University!

To learn more about Dr. Mack, please click to view his bio here (in pdf format).

Welcome Mr. Rick Demolina as The New Assistant Director at University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)!

Rick Demolina is a native of California where he earned his Masters of Education from the
University of La Verne. He has been teaching middle and high school math for the past seven
years and was recognized for his work by being elected the 2005 Pender County Math Teacher
of the year. As the son of Cuban immigrants and a fluent Spanish speaker, he especially enjoys
working with English Language Learners. Prior to teaching, Mr. Demolina spent twelve years
working in industrial construction engineering and management. He earned his B.A in economics
from the University of California at Santa Cruz.

Welcome Ms. Karen Dash as The New Center Director at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM)!

Karen Dash is a native of Connecticut and holds a bachelor in English from Harvard University and an MPA from Columbia University.
Previously she spent 12 years in the financial services industry, where she won one of the top awards at American Express, and several
years in the government and nonprofit sectors. She has served as a trainer, consultant, and business coach and has published 17 consumer
business articles in the Raleigh News & Observer.

Reflections from Baghdad
(Note: The following is an excerpt from the UNCW Science and Mathematics Education Center
(SMEC) Newsletter released in December 2008.)

In April 2008, after 12 years of excellent service and hard work as the Assistant Director of the Science and Mathematics Education
Center, Bill Kawczynski, a former Marine, returned to the service of his country as a private contractor in Baghdad, Iraq. Many of you
were fortunate and benefited from Bill’s expertise with coordinating Summer Ventures, planning AP review sessions, conducting
professional development programs and/or directing the Southeast Regional Science Fair. Bill agreed to share his wisdom on education
from his new perspective in the Middle East. Here are some of his thoughts...

I never would have thought that I would be drafting this article from Baghdad, Iraq. As I reflect on the changes since the last SMEC
newsletter, I am reminded that this time of year brings about exciting new adventures and opportunities for those in education. There are
two points that I would like to convey as I sit here in the 120+ degree heat: one of opportunity and one of change.

Opportunity is all around us each day. It’s whether or not we can see it and more importantly, act on it. As educators, we are consumed
with opportunity, as we strive to provide it for our students and look for ways to collaborate with our colleagues each day. In Iraq, I can
see opportunity take hold each day as the Iraqis seek to rebuild their country and return to a state of normalcy that we often take for granted.

The past few years, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the North Carolina Science Leadership Association’s (NCSLA) Science Leadership Fellows Program (SLFP). The program brings together cohorts of teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators with the
intent of developing science leaders who will become more involved not only lo¬cally but across the state. In addition, the science fellows
also help develop leaders in their region by utilizing the skills they receive during the two-year program. Most of the science fellows wondered
why they signed up and what will they get out of the program. My quick response to them was “opportunity and change.”

As I glanced over the North Carolina Science Teacher Associations / National Science Teachers Associations combined Professional
Development Institute for 2008, I noticed many science fellows (both past and present) who were listed in the program as presenters and contributors to the conference. This is a wonderful example of taking advantage of “opportunity” and hopefully making a “change.” Whether
or not you are a presenter or merely an attendee at the conference, you will be sure to create opportunities that will lead to a positive change.

Every day, if you look close enough, you can see opportunities to change and make changes to create opportunities. I have made that decision
as I work to create better opportunities for the Iraqis while I am here in Baghdad. If you wonder just what type of changes I am working on
here in Iraq, here is a link to one of many recent articles that focuses on the job in which my office is involved:

http://www.metimes.com/Security/2008/08/29/dogs_of_war_accountability_gains_ground/ac0b/print/
(Article featured in the Middle East Times, Dogs of War: Accountability Gains Ground)

I certainly hope that the school year is one filled with great successes for you and your students and that you look for ways to “create
opportunity that leads to positive change.” Cheers from a sunny, hot, and ever changing Baghdad!

NC-MSEN Professional Development 2008 Major Events

Congratulations to Dr. David C. Royster

Dr. David Royster, Director of the NC-MSEN Center at UNC Charlotte, received the prestigious
W. W. Rankin Award at the The North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM)
conference on October 31, 2008. Congratulations!

Please click to see a press release.

NC-MSEN Center Directors' Meeting in August

The NC-MSEN Center Directors and Central Office staff gathered in Chapel Hill for a two-day
meeting at the UNC Center for School Leadership Development on August 27 and 28, 2008.
Dr. Verna L. Holoman, Executive Director, presided over the meetings.

Dr. Sam Houston, CEO and President of the NC Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education
Center (SMT), met with Directors to give an informative presentation on the 2008 Leadership and
Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) Institute. More information about the LASER
training can be found at http://www.ncsmt.org/prog.laser.html

Dr. Elaine Franklin (left), Dr. Sam Houston (center), and Dr. Phillip Johnson (right) discuss
the LASER Institute training during a break in the meeting.

Kenan Fellows Program Director, Dr. Valerie Brown-Schild, provided the group with detailed information
on the Kenan Fund, opportunities afforded Fellows, the nomination process, and statewide fundraising efforts.

Ms. Alisa Chapman, Associate Vice President of Academic Planning and University-School Programs,
UNC-General Administration, joined the group to discuss a draft STEM Inventory that she has been
charged with compiling. Ms. Chapman indicated that NC-MSEN is a great example of one program
that touches all levels of K-16 education.

The NC-MSEN 25th Anniversary arrives in 2009. Committees were formed and plans begun for a year-long series of events
to celebrate this milestone.

Center Directors and Central Office staff brainstorm ideas as they
plan for future NC-MSEN statewide programs.

“Leading North Carolina Science Educator Selected as the National Science Teachers Association's
2008-2009 President-Elect”

Congratulations to Dr. Pat Shane, Associate Director of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE)
at UNC Chapel Hill* for this prestigious honor!! Please click here for an excerpt from the NSTA News Release
dated June 2, 2008 (in pdf format).

NC-MSEN Centers and Pre-College Program Sites Joint Meeting in May

The inaugural meeting was held May 19, 2008 at the UNC-General Administration (UNC-GA)
Board Room of the C. D. Spangler, Jr. Building in Chapel Hill. Please click here to learn more
(in pdf format).

Featured Center Director
Dr. Phillip E. Johnson

Phillip E. Johnson, director of the Mathematics and Science Education Center at Appalachian State University,
is this issue’s Featured Center Director.

Dr. Johnson recently received the W.W. Rankin Award from the NC Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The
award, named for a former mathematics teacher at Duke University, is the organization’s most prestigious award
and is given annually to no more than three mathematics educators. He was recognized for his years of distinguished
service as a mathematics teacher and as someone who has played a key role in organizing and conducting regional
and statewide workshops and conferences designed to help mathematics teachers excel at their craft. His career
spans more than 40 years in education – from high school mathematics teacher to college professor, including a
33-year career at UNC Charlotte.

Dr. Johnson earned his undergraduate degree from Appalachian, a master’s degree from American University, and a Ph.D. from
Vanderbilt University.

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