Fast Facts About IMSA
The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics
and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative,
ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and
Founded
Strategic Plan
1985 by the Illinois General Assembly
IMSA’s dynamic strategic plan places people front and
center. That’s why strategies include developing the whole
person, ensuring personalized plans of study, identifying
teaching and learning needs, developing products and
services to meet those needs, and developing innovation
and entrepreneurial talent and capacity.
Advanced College Prep Program
IMSA annually prepares up to 650 academically talented
Illinois students in grades 10–12 to become world-class
scholars, groundbreaking researchers and trailblazing
entrepreneurs. Admission is competitive. All students live
on campus in Aurora, Illinois. Tuition, room and board
charges are provided by the generous support of the Illinois
General Assembly. An annual activity fee is charged based
on family income.
Statewide Programs
As a resource for the people of Illinois, IMSA annually serves
thousands of teachers and students throughout the state
and beyond. IMSA’s award-winning statewide programs
include teacher professional development in research-based
and practice-proven instruction in mathematics, science and
technology. The Academy’s programs also ensure that Illinois
children, particularly the underserved, have opportunities to
excel in mathematics and science. Programs are delivered at
IMSA’s Aurora campus, at locations throughout Illinois and
beyond, and online.
Keith McIntosh
Associate Director for Student Life
mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory
created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically
talented Illinois students (grades 10 –12) in its advanced,
residential college preparatory program, and it serves
Tracy Townsend
English Faculty Member
thousands of educators and students in Illinois and
beyond through innovative instructional programs that
foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances
Outcomes
education through research, groundbreaking ventures
• IMSA students earn numerous awards and recognition
from national and global competitions including Intel
Science Talent Search, Siemens Westinghouse
Competition, High School Mathematical Contest in
Modeling (HiMCM) and the International Physics Olympiad.
and strategic partnerships. (www.imsa.edu)
• IMSA was named the nationwide winner of the Intel
Schools of Distinction Star Innovator Award for
science excellence. The Wall Street Journal and Worth
Magazine named IMSA among the top public college
prep programs in the nation for placing graduates in
Ivy League and other highly selective universities.
Newsweek named IMSA in its list of top “public elite”
secondary educational institutions in the nation.
Be Part of an
Innovative Team
Chitrarekha Saha
Database Programmer and Administrator
• Highly accomplished alumni are forging new frontiers
as internationally recognized scientists, entrepreneurs,
policy makers and leaders in other fields. IMSA alumni
were part of the start-up teams that created Netscape,
PayPal and YouTube.
• IMSA’s models of teaching and learning are internationally
recognized. Delegations from countries including Australia,
Brazil, China, France, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea,
Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand come
to IMSA to study curriculum and instruction models.
That Fosters
Imagination
and Inquiry!
Mary Beth McCarthy
Fine Arts Faculty Member
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®
1500 West Sullivan Road
Aurora, IL 60506-1000
Roberto Suarez
College and Academic Counselor
Dr. Donald Porzio
Mathematics Faculty Member
www.imsa.edu
Dr. Aracelys Rios
Science Faculty Member
Dr. Leon Lederman
Nobel Laureate and IMSA Resident Scholar
© 2010 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®
Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois, 2,000, 06/10, P.O.#11746
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®
Julie Dowling
Statewide Student
Initiatives Specialist
Faces of IMSA
Minerva Juarez
Secretary for Student
Leadership Development
Real Pros—Real People
Quintin Backstrom
Admission Counselor
Dr. Peter Dong
Science Faculty Member
Dr. Anita White
Science Faculty Member
Be Part of an Innovative TEAM that fosters imagination
and inquiry! The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA)
Dr. David Evenson
Counselor
is an internationally renowned teaching and learning laboratory founded
by the State of Illinois to develop talent and leadership in mathematics,
science, engineering and technology. IMSA is an amazing place that
inspires learners of all ages to address compelling questions, solve
real-world problems and improve people’s lives. If you have a sense of
Dr. Michael Keyton
Mathematics Faculty Member
wonder, creative ideas and a “can-do” spirit, you belong at IMSA!
Find out about current job openings at www.imsa.edu
or contact Human Resources at hr@imsa.edu.
Dr. Robert Hernandez
Director of Student Leadership Development
Reasons to Join the IMSA Team
Imagination + Application =
Changed Lives…Yours and Theirs
Our Compelling Cause
Embraces Distinctive Talents
You’ll be working among highly talented students and
award-winning faculty and staff. IMSA is a place where your
creative ideas matter, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll be
encouraged to apply these ideas! IMSA fosters an exciting,
transformative environment where you just might take turns
being the “teacher and learner.” One moment, you may be
guiding the state’s most talented students on how to use a
DNA sequencer. The next moment, students may be teaching
you innovative ways to use animation software to create a
multi-dimensional model of a chemical reaction!
It takes the best minds from all walks of life to create an
exciting teaching and learning laboratory for learners of
all ages. While science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) are important dimensions of our work,
our core mission is to “ignite and nurture creative, ethical
scientific minds that advance the human condition.” That
means our employment needs go far beyond mathematics
and science education. We also have career opportunities
in other disciplines including athletics, English, fine arts,
social sciences, wellness and world languages and in
support areas such as admissions, business and finance,
counseling, information technology, research, security,
student life and much more.
Live and Breathe Diversity
Influence Ground-Breaking Ventures
We aspire to be a community that reflects the richly diverse
society in which we live and work. We know that unique,
broad and diverse perspectives and cultures enhance
decision making, outcomes and relationships. That’s why
we value diversity among members of the IMSA community.
We foster diversity through programs and events that serve
our employees and students on campus and through our
programs that serve school systems throughout Illinois.
IMSA strives to be the “World’s Leading Teaching and
Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry.” Yes, that’s
a tall order and we don’t apologize for that! We can’t rest
on our laurels because society’s challenges in the twenty-first
century need to be addressed by highly talented scientists,
engineers and entrepreneurs. That’s why our team members
work with educational, business and entrepreneurial partners
to develop, test and share innovative ways to enhance teacher
skills and inspire children, especially the underserved, to
excel in mathematics and science.
Impact Global Citizens
IMSA’s reputation as a world leader in developing talent
and leadership in STEM opens the door to state, national
and global opportunities. IMSA faculty, staff and students
serve on national advisory boards and task forces. They
are invited to serve as presenters at prestigious national
and international conferences and to publish articles and
research findings.
Thrive in a Supportive Community of Equals
We’re big enough to make a difference but small enough
to know each other. Each member of the community plays
an important role in delivering the highest level of service to
our clients. Though the pace is quick and serving students,
educators and policy makers is demanding, we take time to
listen, reflect, address challenges and celebrate each other’s
achievements and life’s important milestones.
Gain Competitive Benefits That Serve the Whole Person
While rewarding work is an important part of an employee’s well being, so are health, professional growth, family and
peace of mind. That’s why IMSA has competitive and flexible benefits that address the diverse needs of its employees.
As a state-funded educational institution, IMSA’s comprehensive employment benefits are provided by the State of
Illinois. Retirement benefits are provided through the State Universities Retirement System of Illinois (SURS).
The package offers:
• Medical and Dental Plans
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Vision Service Plan
• Life Insurance Plan
• Flexible Spending Account Program
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• SURS Retirement Plans, reciprocal with other State pension plans such as Illinois Teachers Retirement System (TRS)
• Excellent Vacation, Holiday and Sick Leave Benefits
Other Benefits Include:
• Fitness Center
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Time to Volunteer
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Full Service Cafeteria with Employee Discounts
Be Part of a Great Place to
Live, Learn and Work
IMSA is located in Aurora, Illinois, only minutes from the
Illinois East-West Tollway and less than one hour from Chicago
by car or Metra rail system. Money Magazine named the City
of Aurora one of the top 100 “Best Small Cities” in the United
States. Aurora was one of only five Illinois cities to make the
top 100 list.
Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois, and the surrounding
area offer a choice of urban or small town living with diverse
housing options. The region is rich in cultural, educational,
ethnic, leisure and sports activities. The many nearby attractions
include museums, the Paramount Theatre, Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory, Northern Illinois University, several
private colleges and universities, Kane County Cougars Class
A Baseball, discount and upscale shopping, numerous parks,
forest preserves, and biking and nature trails. Special events
and festivals throughout the year offer many family activities.
Y. Michelle Cheng
World Languages Faculty Member