Job Description

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for high school students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’26.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude.

For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.

Course Description
This course traces knowledge of the universe from astronomy’s ancient roots to the modern study of extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes. Topics include Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. Additionally, students will contemplate the nature of light, the nature of matter, and nuclear physics. This knowledge to will be used to explore the properties of our sun, solar system, further galaxies, the creation of chemical elements, and the expansion of the universe. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to explore dark energy and the fate of the universe as we know it.

Prerequisite: **** One year each of high school chemistry and physics are strongly recommended but not required. Because this class takes a quantitative approach, participants should be comfortable using their math skills to solve problems. Calculus is useful but not necessary.

Course Schedule
Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm

Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations

• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips

• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population

• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends

• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (typical class size is 20-24 students)

• Attend and complete all required online trainings

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information

Hiring Salary Range
Session B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000

• Please note your availability to teach the Session A schedule (as well as any information regarding your suitability for the role) in the Message to Hiring Manager field.

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)

• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching

• Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.

• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

_All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran_