Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), located in Aurora, Illinois, is a prestigious public residential high school for gifted students in grades 10-12, emphasizing advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Established in 1985 by the Illinois General Assembly, IMSA serves as a laboratory school fostering innovation and research among top talents from across the state. Jobs at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about nurturing future scientists and engineers. Positions range from faculty teaching advanced courses to research roles supporting student projects and campus operations. The academy's unique residential model means employees often engage beyond traditional classroom hours, contributing to a close-knit community dedicated to excellence.
The institution's focus on inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary research makes it an ideal workplace for those with expertise in cutting-edge fields like computational biology, robotics, and data science. With a student body of about 400 selected from thousands of applicants, IMSA's staff plays a pivotal role in shaping leaders who excel in higher education and industry. Salaries are competitive for public education, often supplemented by state benefits, and the campus environment in Aurora provides access to Chicago's resources while offering a suburban setting.
Founded to address Illinois' need for a pipeline of STEM professionals, IMSA has evolved into a national model for gifted education. Its mission centers on 'igniting and nurturing creative, ethical, scientific minds' through rigorous academics and real-world application. This history influences jobs at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, prioritizing candidates who align with its values of equity, innovation, and collaboration. Early faculty pioneered programs like the academy's Research in Science and Mathematics program, where students conduct publishable research— a tradition continuing today, offering staff opportunities to co-author papers with students.
IMSA employs teachers, researchers, counselors, and administrators. Faculty jobs dominate, covering mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and humanities integrated with STEM. Research positions involve mentoring students on projects funded by NSF (National Science Foundation) grants. Administrative roles include admissions and residential life staff. For a full list of university job types, explore our guide. Recent openings have included positions like Dean of Curriculum and Instruction or STEM Research Specialist, often requiring relocation to Aurora.
IMSA: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, a state-funded boarding school for gifted high school students specializing in STEM.
Gifted Education: Tailored instruction for students with exceptional abilities, often involving accelerated curricula and enrichment activities.
Residential Academy: A boarding school where students live on campus, requiring staff to support both academic and daily living needs.
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics—an interdisciplinary approach central to IMSA's programs.
To secure jobs at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, candidates typically need a master's degree minimum for teaching roles, with PhD preferred for research or senior faculty positions. Illinois teaching licensure is mandatory for classroom instructors, often in secondary mathematics or science. Advanced degrees in specialized fields like astrophysics or bioinformatics are valued for research-focused jobs. Experience teaching gifted learners, demonstrated through prior roles at selective programs, is essential. IMSA prioritizes candidates from top institutions, with many faculty holding degrees from University of Illinois or similar.
IMSA's research emphasizes student-led investigations in areas like sustainable energy, neuroscience, and computational modeling. Expertise in mentoring high-achieving teens on publishable work is key. Faculty often secure grants from DOE (Department of Energy) or NSF for projects on machine learning applications in biology. Jobs require proficiency in lab management and data analysis tools like Python or MATLAB.
Preferred candidates have 3+ years teaching advanced placement or IB courses, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and grant-writing success. Experience in residential education or summer programs for gifted youth strengthens applications. IMSA values alumni or those with ties to Illinois public schools, as seen in recent hires with backgrounds from Fermilab collaborations.
Essential skills include strong communication for engaging diverse learners, adaptability in inquiry-based teaching, and proficiency in educational technology like virtual labs. Competencies in ethical research guidance, team collaboration, and cultural competence are critical, given IMSA's diverse student body representing all Illinois counties.
IMSA actively pursues diversity through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office, offering scholarships for underrepresented students and staff training on bias mitigation. Initiatives include partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for recruitment and women in STEM programs. Employees participate in affinity groups and cultural celebrations, fostering an inclusive environment where 40% of students identify as minorities.
IMSA supports work-life balance with 10 sick days, generous vacation, and professional development stipends up to $3,000 annually. Campus life features modern dorms, athletic facilities, and events like Science Olympiad. Proximity to Chicago (40 miles) allows easy access to concerts and museums, while Aurora's Fox Valley offers shopping and parks. Residential duties are compensated with housing subsidies, making it family-friendly for some roles.
The application process starts with online submission via IMSA's portal, including CV, transcripts, philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews involve demo lessons and panel discussions. Tips: Tailor your philosophy to IMSA's constructivist model, highlight student research mentorship, and network at Illinois STEM conferences. Apply early as positions fill quickly; use free resume template for academics. Prepare for questions on differentiating instruction for gifted learners.
Ready to pursue jobs at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy? Explore higher ed jobs, get career advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. IMSA offers rewarding opportunities in STEM education—start your application today.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
