Digital Literacy Instructor

TITLE: Academic Instructor

Digital Literacy (DL) Instructor - Stipend $600.00

POSITION PURPOSE

The Creating Pathways and Access for Student Success™ (CPASS) Foundation was created to attract, encourage, educate, guide, and increase the number of promising, Illinois students in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) related professions. We are committed to providing a holistic educational foundation and exclusive access to career development resources for students to persist in STEMM careers.

The CPASS Foundation's STEMM Scholars Academy is a five-week, immersive summer experience designed to inspire and prepare high school students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM). Hosted on partner college campuses, including Lewis University, The Chicago School, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—the Academy provides Scholars with a unique opportunity to live and learn in a collegiate environment.

Scholars engage in rigorous academic courses in math, science, English language arts, and social justice, complemented by hands-on, project-based STEMM workshops and college preparation sessions. Beyond academics, the program emphasizes mentorship, career exploration, and personal growth through networking events with STEMM professionals of color, industry site visits, and year-round academic and college readiness support. Each summer builds upon the last, allowing Scholars to return for up to three consecutive years as they deepen their skills, strengthen their academic foundation, and expand their professional networks—all at no cost to participants.

Position Details

Temporary Position:

• Scholar Family Orientation: June 13, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (in-person, Lewis University)

• Virtual Evening Training: June 15–17 and June 22, 4:30–7:30 PM

• Virtual Scholar Academic Preparation Session: June 17, 6:00–7:30 PM CT (required; syllabus review and Scholar preparation)

• Virtual Full-Day Training: June 23–24, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM

• In-Person Training: July 1–3 (full days, in-person, Lewis University)

• CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy: July 4, 2026 – August 8, 2026 (in-person, Lewis University)

Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly.

Roles and Responsibilities:

As a member of the Academic Staff, you will report to the Lead Instructor (LI) and be responsible for ensuring scholar outcomes are achieved as outlined in the curriculum provided for each course. The scholars will attend classes daily at Lewis University.

Key Responsibilities:

As an Academic Instructor, your role will encompass a variety of essential tasks:

• Curriculum Implementation: Ensure the effective execution of the curriculum, maintaining alignment with program objectives. Thoroughly review materials and prepare for instructional delivery.
• Scholar Support & Classroom Management: Foster an environment conducive to learning by facilitating Scholars' academic needs. Monitor Scholar progress, provide constructive feedback, and track Scholar outcomes to ensure academic success.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Work with fellow instructors to establish a cohesive curriculum plan and ensure effective implementation across all classes.
• Closing Celebration: Guide Scholars in preparing presentations for the closing ceremony

Teaching Assistant Coordination

As an Academic Instructor, you will also:

• Provide Teaching Assistants (TAs) with clear daily expectations, including lesson objectives, Scholar focus areas, and classroom roles.
• Direct and assign TA tasks during class, such as circulating to check for understanding, supporting group work, preparing materials, and assisting with grading and administrative tasks.
• Ensure TAs actively support Scholar engagement & on-task behavior throughout instruction & study hall.
• Collaborate with TAs to provide targeted academic support, including one-on-one or small-group reinforcement of key concepts.
• Prepare TAs to step in during instructor absences by ensuring they have access to lesson plans, materials, and instructional guidance.
• Provide ongoing feedback and communicate concerns to the Lead Instructor (LI) regarding TA performance or support needs.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to create seamless progression from one class to another. Over five weeks Scholars will apply their knowledge gained in subjects like math, science, ELA, digital literacy, and college preparation to complete a comprehensive culminating project. Instructors will collaborate closely to ensure a smooth and interconnected learning journey. Below is a brief overview of each class. Below is a brief overview of each class:

Digital Literacy (DL) Instructor - Stipend $600.00

• DL 2 - This digital literacy course aims to empower students with the critical skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically. Through a series of engaging modules, students will explore topics such as media balance and well-being, news and media literacy, cyberbullying prevention, privacy and security, and effective communication in digital environments.

• DL 3 - This digital literacy course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. Through a series of interactive modules, students will explore key topics such as media balance and well-being, news and media literacy, effective communication in digital relationships, cyberbullying prevention, and online privacy and security.

Position Overview

CPASS Foundation seeks passionate and committed Academic Instructors to join our summer team. As an instructor, you will play a vital role in creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment, helping Scholars develop confidence, critical thinking, and a sense of belonging in STEMM fields. These positions are ideal for educators who are eager to make a lasting impact through mentorship, creativity, and high-quality instruction.

Academic Instructors will work closely with Teaching Assistants (TAs) to support classroom instruction, Scholar engagement, and study hall operations. Instructors are responsible for directing daily TA activities, ensuring TAs understand lesson objectives, proactively engage Scholars, reinforce instruction, and assist with classroom management. Instructors must also prepare TAs to step in and support instruction during absences to maintain continuity of learning

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, with demonstrated experience teaching the relevant subjects in a classroom setting.

Desired field (s) of study: Education

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Passion for Education: A deep passion for empowering BIPOC high school scholars on their journey to STEMM careers.

• Educational Expertise: A degree or equivalent experience in the field, coupled with a proven track record of academic classroom leadership.

• Problem Solving: Capacity to adapt and devise effective solutions when challenges occur.

• Effective Communication: Strong communication skills for collaboration with all staff and scholars.

• Time Management: Effective time management skills to coordinate and participate in academic events and oversee academic staff.

• Differentiated Instruction: Ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of students.

• Commitment & Cultural Competence: Demonstrated commitment to the program's mission and values, fostering a belief in empowering young minds in STEMM. Proficiency in developing culturally responsive teaching approaches.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Requirements

All staff participating in the CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 prior to the start of employment. Proof of vaccination must be submitted during onboarding in compliance with CPASS Foundation and university partner health and safety protocols. Staff must also adhere to all COVID-19 safety precautions and procedures established by CPASS and the host university for in-person programming to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for Scholars and staff.

Physical and Miscellaneous Requirements

Position requires walking, sitting, and standing day to day. Climbing stairs, running, and participation may be required during community activities. Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs. of supplies may be required. Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

• Timely and high-quality delivery of curriculum and instructional goals.
• Scholar engagement and learning outcomes.
• Collaboration and feedback from program staff and partners

HOW TO APPLY

• Complete an online application: https://smr.to/p108253

• The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts.

• Address cover letters to the Hiring Committee. No phone/email inquiries will be accepted.

• Candidates must pass all background checks.

• This position is contractual.

• This position will close when filled.

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Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. CPASS encourages applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals.

Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal, Temporary, Contract

Pay: $600.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $600