Part Time Saturday Enrichment Instructor (Los Angeles)

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

2h • Onsite

About The Position

Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) is seeking passionate educators to create academic experiences where students are at the center of learning. The ideal candidate will have a love for understanding the "why" behind BEAM’s enrichment topics (such as mathematics, programming, and data science) and enjoys guiding students through inquiry and productive struggle toward understanding of the subject. BEAM's classrooms are student-centered, lively, and discussion-rich, where 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, and step in when direct instruction is best called for. BEAM's enrichment classes allow 8th-11th grade students to dig deeply into mathematical topics not typically covered in school, aiming to enrich their educational experience and prepare them for STEM college courses and careers. Instructors may teach Middle School (8th grade) courses focusing on Deepening Problem Solving & Reasoning or Programming, or High School (9th-11th grade) Majors in Deep Thinking in Mathematics, Mathematical Biology, or Risks, Decisions, and Money. Instructors hired for a given major would teach a "Try it Out" course in the fall and the intro course in the spring. Instructors are hired one semester at a time, with the possibility of returning for subsequent semesters based on performance.

Requirements

• At least 3 years as a primary instructor in schools, enrichment programs, colleges, math circles, or similar settings.
• Experience with the topics covered in one or more of the courses listed above. Readiness to teach the concepts to students.
• Demonstrated experience with proofs, problem solving, and logical reasoning (for math courses) or logical reasoning in the context of computer science (for programming courses), especially at the college level.
• Genuine interest in and excitement for mathematics. Able to share your joy with students.
• Learners take the lead, exploring, questioning, and justifying their reasoning. You understand that productive struggle, collaboration, and inquiry are at the heart of building confident problem-solvers.
• You believe that all students deserve the chance to feel successful, and you create a classroom environment where they all have success. You create an inclusive classroom where all students feel valued and capable.
• You support students through productive struggle and find ways to make sure all students persist. You know when to push students to do more (those who are bored or coasting) and when to let students take a breather (those who are at capacity already).
• The inclination to move students toward why something works, why something is true, and why learning is a good use of their time.
• A reflective teaching practice and openness to feedback, with the ability to thoughtfully implement feedback as an opportunity to enhance your practice.
• The ability to connect with students, colleagues, and the broader community in ways that foster understanding, collaboration, and support.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience teaching enrichment courses at any BEAM program or other enrichment courses (math outside the K-12 curriculum).
• Experience with multiple courses offered at BEAM.
• Demonstrated ability to open the doors to college-level problem solving for younger students, either in middle school or in high school.

Responsibilities

• Participate in BEAM training (6 hours).
• Review coursework designed by BEAM; prepare lesson plans for your current roster (6 hours/week, 8 weeks).
• Facilitate mathematical enrichment for a group of 15-24 middle or high school students (3 hours/week, 8 weeks).
• Foster positive relationships with students, teaching assistants (TAs), and BEAM staff in support of student learning, engagement, and love of math/STEM.
• Provide students with ongoing formative feedback throughout the program, including formal feedback on two in-class assessments and a written growth report at the end of each semester.
• Support the administration of surveys and evaluations from the Research & Evaluations department.
• Meet weekly with the Curriculum Development team to provide feedback on lessons, activities, and implementation (1 hour/week, 9 weeks plus 3-hour wrap-up meeting).
• Participate with BEAM’s overall staff team in reflection on the program beyond the curriculum (3 hours).
• As availability permits, participate in non-class special events days and/or run a section of group advisory.

Benefits

• Small classes with 15-24 students that are driven, motivated, and interested in math!
• The ability to implement and provide feedback on novel curriculum in advanced math enrichment
• Participate in community events and programming that foster student’s access to STEM experiences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed