Writing Instructor
New York, NY
Seasonal
Entry Level
WRITING INSTRUCTOR
MISSION STATEMENT: Oliver Scholars prepares high-achieving Black and Latinx students from underserved New York City communities for success at top independent schools and prestigious colleges. We provide crucial support for our Scholars so they can realize their full potential and ultimately give back to the city, the nation, and the world.
JOB TITLE: Writing Instructor
REPORT TO: Director of Academic Affairs
DEPARTMENT: Academic Affairs
POSITION TYPE: Seasonal part-time — Autumn
FLSA: Exempt
SUMMARY: Oliver Scholars seeks a Writing instructor to plan and implement a curriculum for eighth grade students. All applicants must have proof of completed Covid-19 vaccination. The instructor’s primary objective is to prepare students to academically succeed at rigorous independent schools. Students should gain improved competency, skill, and habits of mind to excel. The instructor will assist the Admissions & Placement and Academic Affairs departments to outline 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 Saturdays October to November 2024 and be available for office hours, study hall, and faculty meetings on scheduled class days.
- Use the Oliver Scholars course description and pedagogy to design a Writing curriculum— including syllabus, lesson plans, readings, assignments, and assessments.
- The course develops concrete technical skills to write with clarity, style, and energy. The course will explore literary essays, memoirs, fiction, and poetry to cultivate creativity in critical and analytical thought. In addition, the course will open up possibilities for students’ to use the ingredients of their own experiences to craft coherent, comprehensive, and compelling personal narratives in response to the writing prompts of the ISEE and SSAT as well as write powerful and evocative independent school admissions essays.
- The instructor will teach and require use of MLA writing format and citations. The instructor will also incorporate ChatGPT as a learning tool in order for students to appreciate that education is a process-oriented undertaking that entails struggle and use of analytical resources, and 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
- 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
COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range $4400 to $5600.
EEO
Oliver Scholars is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.Apply for this position
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