NIU STEM Teachers Needed in Beijing, China

RESPONSIBILITIES
NIU STEM Outreach works with two educational districts within Beijing, China, to
increase student engagement in STEM and improve problem solving abilities among
their students. Our NIU STEM teachers work in middle schools or community educational
centers to teach Hands-On STEM in English to students in grades 5-9. We are wrapping
up our pilot year and looking for five additional teachers to join our returning teacher for
one year, possibility of extending contract beyond one year.

REQUIRED SKILLS
Licensed educator with a primary or secondary certification, preferably with
endorsements in middle school and at least one STEM topic
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM or education field
Ability to make a commitment to begin employment July 10, 2016, in DeKalb, IL, and
work through June 2017
Must pass fingerprinted background check with the FBI or State Police or provide
notarized copies of a recent background check meeting the same criteria
Ability to secure (with our assistance) a Visa to work in China
One year of work experience. Summer and part time experience can be combined to
satisfy this requirement
Love of creating solutions and exploring science
Demonstrated skills with educational technology
Experience working with children or teens
Demonstrated classroom management skills

PREFERRED SKILLS
Experience in informal education or recreational settings
Engaging personality
Desire to work in and learn from another culture
For elementary education applicants, additional coursework or experience in a STEM
field
Ability to improvise in the classroom when needed
Experience working with teams of students on a STEM competition

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Housing included
10 meals per week provided
Employee of Northern Illinois University, accumulating retirement benefits
Paid training
ITIC card
Visa assistance and fees covered
Selected applicants will begin work at the NIU DeKalb campus on July 10, 2016, for four
weeks of paid, pre-departure training. During the four weeks, the teachers will work
Monday through Friday with our summer residential programs and participate in
professional development on engineering design and hands-on inquiry in the classroom,
as well as learn about Beijing and what to expect living there. Room and board is
provided Sunday evening through Friday during this period.
STEM teachers in one of the two districts will fly to Beijing before August 15, 2016, for
two weeks of paid professional development with the principals of the schools where the
teachers will be placed. Our STEM teachers will assist with professional development
while participating as learners. Economy air transportation is provided to Beijing at the
beginning of the program and back to Chicago after the academic year is over.
All STEM teachers will begin classroom work in Beijing near the beginning of September.
Holidays and time off follow the Chinese academic year calendar with the exception of
two additional days off for Christmas.

STEM teachers will be housed in teacher dormitories or in apartments, depending on the
assignment. Some teachers will instruct during the regular school day hours and others
will be teaching in community educational centers, after school, and on Saturdays and
Sundays. All of our STEM teachers will have at least two consecutive days per week off
from teaching responsibilities. All classes are 90 minutes in length to allow for extended
time working hands-on. The curriculum is prepared by NIU faculty and staff for these
students. Ten meals per week will be provided. Local health insurance will be provided
also. Our collaborators in Beijing have an English-speaking liaison to assist with
communications with the school, health concerns, or wherever needed.
These educational districts are making a commitment to improve their student’s critical
problem solving skills and they consider hands-on STEM education as a key piece of
this. Most, if not all participating teachers will be asked to return for the following
academic year. Our pilot teacher will be returning this fall and will mentor our new STEM
teachers. More than one year is optional, we ask only a commitment to the first year.