Faculty BEAM Discovery

Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM)•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

BEAM Discovery is the first step in BEAM’s 10-year Pathway Program, offering students an engaging introduction to advanced mathematical thinking in a supportive, inquiry-driven environment. As a faculty member, you will help students discover powerful mathematical ideas, build confidence, and see themselves as mathematicians. Our classrooms are student-centered, lively, and discussion-rich. Students explore patterns, debate conjectures, justify their reasoning, and collaborate on open-ended problems. Teachers guide thinking through purposeful questions, models, and structures that promote productive struggle. We affirm students’ strengths and identities and help them grow as confident, capable problem solvers. Faculty teach one or two courses daily (morning and/or afternoon) using adaptable lesson materials provided by BEAM. Morning Classes Logical Reasoning: Students build logical thinking, casework, and methodical problem-solving through puzzles (e.g., liars-and-truthtellers, KenKen, Sudoku). Math Fundamentals: Students revisit foundational ideas (like fractions, exponents, and geometry) with depth and creativity, uncovering the underlying mathematical “why.” Afternoon Classes Creative Problem Solving: Students dive into rich contest-style problems in topics like combinatorics or geometry, learning to think flexibly and creatively. Applied Mathematics: Students explore how math connects to the real world through topics such as programming, biology, astronomy, or voting theory. (New faculty use BEAM provided lessons. Returning faculty may propose and teach original courses.) We are looking for math and STEM educators who love working with middle schoolers and are excited to teach in a collaborative, inquiry-driven environment. This role focuses on engaging students in rich mathematical thinking, supporting their growth as confident problem solvers, and partnering closely with fellow faculty and program leadership.

Requirements

Classroom Leadership Experience: At least three years of experience as a primary instructor in schools, enrichment programs, or similar environments.
Commitment to Equity: Dedication to creating inclusive, affirming, rigorous classrooms where students discover joy and confidence in mathematics.
Student-Centered Teaching Experience: Experience leading inquiry-based lessons and embracing productive struggle and collaborative problem-solving.
Familiarity With Middle School Mathematics: Strong grasp of Discovery course mathematics or the ability and enthusiasm to learn the material.
Growth Mindset: Openness to feedback and willingness to implement coaching.
Clear and Compassionate Communication: Ability to collaborate effectively with staff and build trusting relationships with students.
Authorized to work for any employer in the US (International graduate students eligible for CPT or OPT are encouraged to apply).
Ability to work on-site in the camp city (NYC or LA). BEAM does not cover room and board.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching enrichment math or science.
Experience working with students from low-income or historically marginalized communities.
Experience supporting multilingual learners.

Responsibilities

Teach one morning and/or one afternoon class daily using provided lesson materials.
Prepare daily lesson plans, problem solutions, and materials in advance.
Adapt instruction for the specific learners in your classroom.
Incorporate practices that support multilingual learners using visuals, structured reasoning, and language-accessible explanations.
Maintain pacing expectations and collaborate with coaches when adjustments are needed.
Establish and maintain classroom norms and routines that promote student inquiry, persistence, and collaboration.
Use restorative, respectful redirection aligned with BEAM’s behavior expectations.
Partner with TAs during class for student support, behavior management, and transitions.
Apply the BEAM behavior escalation process and involve leadership when needed.
Participate in coaching cycles including observations, debrief meetings, and implementing feedback.
Attend academic collaboration sessions to align on pacing, goals, and instructional priorities.
Work closely with TAs, Academic Director, and faculty peers to create a coherent and supportive learning environment.
Lead one or two daily problem-solving blocks.
Identify academic or social-emotional concerns and communicate them to the appropriate leadership team member following documentation protocols.
Participate in daily camp life, including activities, shared meals, supervising/leading relays (at least 3x/week), and attending weekly staff meetings.
Provide emergency coverage for supervising students as needed.
Attend all pre-camp training, complete all onboarding requirements, and end-of-camp wrap-up/feedback sessions.