Intro to Programming Instructor

TITLE: Academic Instructor

Intro to Programming 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 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.

Position Details

• Temporary Position: This is a non-benefited, contract-based position.
• Reports To: Lead Instructor

Required Training & Preparation (June–July 2026)

• 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)

Compensation

Stipend: Intro to Programming Instructor, $600.00

Compensation will be adjusted/prorated for any missed hours, days, or early termination of the assignment.

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:

• This introductory coding course provides Scholars with a hands-on introduction to the logic and structure of programming. Through interactive exercises and project-based learning, Scholars will gain familiarity with coding concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and functions. The course is designed to prepare students for the College Credit AI and Communications course, enabling them to begin the program with greater confidence in computational thinking and problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant subject area or in education, with demonstrated experience teaching the assigned course content in a classroom or instructional setting.
• Passion for Education: A deep passion for empowering high school Scholars and supporting students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue STEMM pathways.
• Educational Expertise: Demonstrated subject-matter expertise and a proven track record of effective classroom instruction and academic 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.
• Ability to supervise, guide, and collaborate with Teaching Assistants (TAs) to maximize instructional effectiveness and Scholar support during academic programming.
• Time Management: Effective time management skills to coordinate instruction, participate in academic events, and meet program deadlines.
• Differentiated Instruction: Ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of Scholars.
• Commitment & Cultural Competence: Demonstrated commitment to the program’s mission and values, with the ability to implement culturally responsive teaching practices that empower Scholars in STEMM.

Required Immunization and Safety Requirements

All-Academic Team members participating in the CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy are required to be fully vaccinated and proof of vaccination must be submitted during onboarding and no later than the start of in-person duties and in accordance with CPASS Foundation and university partner health and safety protocols. Vaccination is a condition of service.

Mandatory Vaccination Requirement

All-Academic Team members must be fully vaccinated against the following diseases, with no exemptions or accommodations permitted (medical, religious, or otherwise), due to the shared residential environment and the health and safety needs of Scholars and staff:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Meningococcal disease (Meningitis)
• COVID-19

Ongoing Safety Requirements
Staff must also adhere to all COVID-19 and health/safety precautions and procedures established by CPASS Foundation and the host university throughout in-person programming to ensure a safe and healthy 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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Equal Opportunity Employer

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on a person’s race (Including hair texture and hairstyles) color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (Including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (Including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Pay: $600.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $600