Upward Bound Summer Academy Instructor-Science
About The Position
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary. The Upward Bound Summer Academy Science Instructor is responsible for teaching courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology for two federally funded Upward Bound programs for high school students. Instructor will participate as a team member to ensure that the Upward Bound Summer Academy is a student-centered environment that serves to promote academic and personal success among students. The goal of the Upward Bound Summer Academy is to prepare students for the next academic year. The position reports to the Upward Bound Executive Director.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree and high school teacher licensure in subject area or a master’s degree and prior teaching experience is required.
- Expertise in science is required.
- Knowledge of effective teaching strategies, curriculum development, and learning theories.
- Ability to present material using verbal, visual, or written methods.
- Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to display a positive attitude and be an academic role model.
- Ability to motivate and encourage students to reach their academic potential.
- Ability to model academic skills that will help students succeed.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of high school remedial and core curriculum, study, and test taking skills preferred.
Responsibilities
- Teach one or more sections of a given course daily or bi-weekly, depending upon the program schedule and the needs of the program.
- Create a five-week summer course lesson plan (including a syllabus for each course that contains weekly course activities and learning objectives) that aligns with Arkansas Department of Education Smart Core Standards.
- Maintain student records related to academic progress, including student grades or other assessments and any other requested data related to course-level student performance. Present cumulative summary reports to program staff on a weekly basis.
- Develop and implement an effective means of assessing student progress in the course.
- Meet regularly with program staff to discuss participants’ attendance, academic progress, and academic needs.
- Maintain discipline and a positive learning environment in the classroom which is conducive to learning.
- Work with program staff to promote academic and personal success among program participants.
- Participate in one or more planning sessions with the Upward Bound program staff prior to the beginning of the Summer Academy.
- Report any infractions of Upward Bound program standards and policies or student issues and concerns immediately to the Upward Bound Executive Director.
- Attend and support students/staff during awards ceremony.
- Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
- Requires consistent on-time attendance.
- Perform other similar or related duties as requested or assigned.
- Maintain strong working relationship with staff.
- Contribute to the overall success of the department by performing all other duties as requested or assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
