Spring/Summer Humanities and STEM Instructors and Designers

Humanities and STEM Instructors

Summer 2021 | Location: Greater Boston*

Preferred application deadline: January 26, 2021

WPS seeks Humanities and STEM Instructors to join a dynamic team to research, design, and execute WPS’s second annual College Transition Program in the summer of 2021. These instructor roles are ideal for innovative, equity-centered teachers who are excited to create a meaningful and impactful learning experience for recent high school graduates from historically marginalized backgrounds.

ABOUT WPS AND ITS PROGRAMS

WPS is a non-profit education organization committed to honoring students and educators. We believe that teaching and learning are the most transformative of human endeavors and that this is especially true when students are invested in their own learning and have the agency and support to embark on a journey of self-actualization. 

Building on this philosophy, WPS is preparing to run its second annual College Transition Program during the summer of 2021. The College Transition Program is a six-week summer program designed to help students - many who are first in their families attend college - successfully and confidently navigate the transition to college and beyond. Our goal is to deepen students’ academic competencies, as well as develop their social-emotional skills, executive functioning, financial literacy, and understanding of what opportunities are available in college.

The program will serve students on the WPS campus from late June to early August. Our campus is located near Boston (in Newton, MA) with access to public transportation (MBTA Green Line). If the pandemic makes it prohibitive to be on campus, the program may be held virtually.  Housing may be available.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Humanities or STEM Instructor, you will work collaboratively and in consultation with the Program Director and other instructors to research, plan, and run the Humanities or STEM component of WPS’s Summer College Transition Program. Instructors will have curriculum development and pedagogical expertise with a passion for learning that is student-driven, inquiry-based, and cross-disciplinary. This work will be highly exploratory and push our collective thinking about what is possible in the area of teaching and learning.

Instructors may work on a part-time, flexible basis during the planning phase (March-June) and on a full-time basis during the summer (mid-June to August). You will report directly to a Summer Program Co-Director.  

Responsibilities

Research and plan an impactful summer experience

• Develop learning goals, curriculum, and cross-disciplinary projects that incorporate culturally responsive teaching practices and promote critical thinking, collaborative learning, and self-reflection 
• Research, identify, and integrate innovative and effective approaches that result in deep and meaningful learning
• Collaborate with the College Transition Program team to create a compelling and integrated vision for the summer 

Execute an impactful summer experience

• Plan and participate in orientation programming to support enrolled students and families
• Implement academics that reinforce the College Transition Program’s Academic Competencies with a focus on student voice and self-advocacy, peer-to peer exchange and deliberation, data analysis, and critical thinking
• Support and/or lead implementation of additional activities and programming (ie. social-emotional development, career-exploration, study-skills, financial literacy and community building) and off-campus excursions (if pandemic guidelines permit)
• Intentionally build community in partnership with the College Transition Program team
• Collaborate with the Program Director and WPS team to assess outcomes and incorporate learnings into future program designs

Desired Mindsets, Experience, and Qualifications

• Have 5-10 years in teaching and/or curriculum development at the college or secondary school level
• Experience in STEM and/or Humanities required
• Experience with educational technology that improves learning outcomes preferred
• Evidence expertise in developing student-centered, hands-on academic programming, such as experiential, project-based and interdisciplinary learning
• Exhibit strong written and oral communication skills
• Display intellectual curiosity and commitment to learning
• Enjoy and embrace collaboration, thought-partnership, and working with highly committed colleagues in a professional learning community
• Value differing perspectives and learning from others 
• Accept and provide feedback with grace, demonstrating openness and humility 
• Exercise comfort, flexibility, and adaptivity in an environment that requires team members to take on a range of responsibilities and contribute on multiple fronts
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree related to STEM or Humanities; advanced degree in Education or a related field strongly preferred

APPLICATION INFORMATION 

Instructors will receive between $30/hour and $50/hour for a part-time planning period between March and June 13 and an equivalent salary during the full-time period between June 14 and August 15.  

*Limited housing is available on campus. Please inquire directly for more information.

Candidates should apply using the Careers section of our website. Note: Our preferred application deadline is January 26, 2021.  We do not guarantee review of applications received after this date

WPS is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.