Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) Teacher

The New York Opportunity Network • New York, NY

2d • $50 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Internships & Career Success team at The Opportunity Network is looking for a dynamic, mission-oriented STEM educator as our Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) Teacher. Reporting to the Director of Career Success, the Teacher will customize and facilitate a curriculum for a program designed to give participants a look at the process of conducting science research while applying it to their own interests. The program will have 20-25 participants who are current OppNet Fellows in 11th and 12th grade with an interest in pursuing a STEM major in college and are eager to gain exposure to STEM careers.

OppNet Fellows in the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) will spend three weeks learning skills and concepts in scientific research and then put them into practice through the completion of a written summer research project focusing on an area of interest to them. Program content is anchored by our commitment to Youth Participatory Action Research, social justice, and culturally responsive practices. The SSRP team is made up of the Teacher (this position) and three Teacher Assistants who are current OppNet Fellows majoring in STEM with relevant experience. Students will meet Monday-Friday with instructors and TAs with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, with at least 3 days a week in-person. This program is being funded by one of our corporate partners, and one day of the program will be dedicated to a field trip to their lab in New Jersey (transportation provided). On the last day, participants will present their final research proposals to their peers and OppNet staff.

The program consists of the following elements:

1. Instructor Led Seminars - Introduction to new science research concepts

2. Lab Group Meetings - A small group session led by a TA to work together with other students interested in a similar research topic

3. Assignments - An opportunity to apply your learning and directly contribute to the completion of your larger project

4. Career Exposure Opportunities – Field trips and panels to learn about career pathways in STEM

Requirements

• Availability for up to 29 hours/week, June 15-August 7, and ability to work within the 9a-6p EST time frame. Programming will take place from July 13-31. The Teacher’s attendance will be required on Monday-Friday 10:00a-2:00p EST.
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university (preferably in a related field)
• Formal training and/or credentialing in a STEM discipline with experience in lab science
• Demonstrated skill set in teaching high school and/or college students, both in-person and virtually
• Advanced science research skills, including the ability to analyze academic papers, interpret research statistics, craft research projects, and write proposals
• Familiarity with Youth Participatory Action Research, culturally responsive teaching, social justice education, and student empowerment practices
• Demonstrated ability to connect with high school- and college-aged students from historically and systematically underrepresented communities
• Passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion - and well-versed in the ways in which women and people of color have been historically excluded from the STEM field
• Proficiency in Google Suite, primarily Gmail, Google Classroom, and Google Calendar
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized

Nice To Haves

• Experience in management and/or coordination of programs for youth is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum and lesson development: Customize existing lesson plans based on the focus area and dataset, as well as other course materials and assignments.
• Facilitation: Facilitate all lessons using culturally responsive and student empowerment practices.
• Assignment feedback and student support: Review student assignments and presentation practice to provide timely, asset-based, and constructive feedback.
• Undergraduate TA supervision: Support three Teaching Assistants (undergraduate interns) to meet the expectations of their roles + achieve their personal & professional summer goals through weekly one-on-one check-ins, weekly team meetings, and requests for support.
• TA Onboarding: Facilitate onboarding for TAs week prior to program start designed to orient program staff to the program's mission/goals, core values, and pedagogical framework; co-create infrastructure and norms for collaboration & communication; and prepare staff for their roles.
• Program Operations: Serve as the liaison between program staff and the Internships & Career Success + Operations teams to communicate any needs for the team.
• Pre and post program support: Update pre-program materials for Fellows, pre-assessment, goal-setting assignment, and any other assignments that Fellows should complete prior to program start. Supervise and support end-of-program activities and reflection.
• Organizational Learning, Development, and Program Reflection: Participate in organization-wide learning sessions, working groups, and optional affinity groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level