Philosophy Instructor (Summer Session)

Organization Mission: Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges.

Job Title: Philosophy Instructor

Report To: Director of Academic Affairs

Department: Academic Affairs

Position Type: Full-time — Summer Season

FLSA: Exempt

Summary: Oliver Scholars seeks a Philosophy instructor to plan and implement a curriculum for ninth-grade students. The instructor’s primary objective is to prepare students to succeed academically at rigorous independent schools. Students should gain improved competency, skills, and habits of mind to excel. The instructor will assist the Admissions & Placement and Academic Affairs departments in defining expected curricular outcomes and track student progress. This position reports to the Director of Academic Affairs and is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of scholarship and youth development with an educational nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities

• Teach in person from July to August 2026 and be available for office hours, study hall, faculty meetings, and parent-teacher meetings. The role entails 5 weeks at a day school in NYC and 1 week at a boarding school in MA, for which Oliver Scholars will provide transportation and room & board.
• Perform co-curricular duties, including planning and supervising field trips, teaching non-credit electives, facilitating recreational activities, and supervising dormitories.
• Use the Oliver Scholars course description and pedagogy to design a high school Philosophy (Part I: Logic and Part II: Ethics) curriculum— including syllabus, lesson plans, assignments, readings, and tests/quizzes. The Logic module must be taught ahead of the Ethics module to ensure a strong logical reasoning foundation not impacted by the emotion and bias that might accompany topics discussed in the Ethics module. The Philosophy course will progress from completing “problem sets”, to writing short essays that analyze current events through the lens of philosophical frameworks and then writing long essays that use history as a context for philosophical writing.
  • The Logic module introduces logic and the philosophical study of language. Some of the questions raised are: How do we commonly think? What is thinking correctly? What is the difference between a good argument and a flawed one? What are the common fallacies of thought that often mislead us? What are the limitations of formal logic? Can we think without the rules of logic? What is “meaning” and the truth about “truth?” The module stresses the development of individual and collaborative skills in evaluating information. It includes a critical examination of the patterns of thought one encounters daily in magazines, newspapers, and television.
  • The Ethics module is an introduction to various approaches to ethical reflection. Using classical texts, personal and literary stories, and video clips from TV shows and the news, students will develop a common vocabulary to understand and critically evaluate their moral experience. They will apply the logical reasoning skills acquired during the Logic module to ethical discussions and arguments, and they will learn and apply—in making sense of their own moral experience—the essential characteristics of the most prominent approaches to ethical thought in the philosophical tradition.

• The instructor will teach and require using MLA writing format and citations. The instructor will also incorporate AI (e.g., ChatGPT) as a learning tool for students to appreciate that education is a process-oriented undertaking that entails struggle and use of analytical resources, not a product-oriented undertaking focused on neatly delivering an answer.
• Write detailed Interim and Final Evaluation Reports.
• Team with tutors, counselors, and Oliver Scholars leadership to instruct and support students
• Attend a paid instructor orientation.
• Attend weekly faculty meetings.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university; advanced degree preferred
• Two or more years of teaching experience at the middle school or high school level
• Two or more years of experience designing curriculum
• Knowledge of independent schools preferred
• Outstanding speaking, writing, and editing skills
• Deep knowledge of the principles of teaching students
• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to Oliver’s mission and values
• A flexible, creative individual able to find alternative ways to connect with students
• Emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations
• A hard worker with a high energy level; a “doer” with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities
• A good listener who is comfortable receiving feedback

Desired Competencies

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; willing to learn new techniques and procedures; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation & Initiative Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities.
• Planning/Organizing & Project Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range: $8,034 to $10,506.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Oliver Scholars Program, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to maintaining a work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Oliver Scholars encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, as we believe this best reflects the communities and students we serve.