Math or STEM Instructor for First Star Academy

Title: Math or STEM Instructor for First Star Academy
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Social Work
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The First Star ISU Academy is a college-preparatory program for high school foster youth (Scholars). The Academy strives to keep youth on track for high school graduation, prepare them for higher education, and equip them with the skills to successfully transition to adulthood. The Scholars spend all four summers of high school living on the university campus (Summer Immersion Program), and they return one Saturday per month during the school year (Saturday Academies). While on campus, the Scholars attend academic classes, participate in life skills workshops, and explore life on a university campus.

Additional Information

Summer Immersion Program instructors play a critical role in the success of the Scholars.
Instructors are responsible for developing the curriculum, teaching the courses, and providing feedback on each Scholar’s progress. The course should be aligned with the state curriculum standards and encourage successful learning practices. All instructors are expected to work part-time while the Scholars are on campus the month of June and teach three 90-minute courses (remedial and grade level based on the Scholar’s academic skills) per week. Classes are scheduled between Monday through Friday (June 2, 2025-June 13, 2025) approximately 9:00am to 10:30am or 10:45am to 12:15pm. Compensation is $1100.



Summer Immersion Program instructors are expected to attend a mandatory training TBD, a Scholar/Caregiver summer orientation on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and First Star Academy awards ceremony on Sunday, June 14, 2025.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$1100

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree
2. Certified by the State to teach in the content area for which they are hired
3. Ability to work as a team member with Academy Administration staff, College Coaches within the classroom, and other campus staff
4. Responsible, friendly, enthusiastic, patient, and willing to learn
5. Strong classroom management, organization, and communication skills
6. Ability to pass a Level 2 background check

Preferred Qualifications

1. Previous experience in education, a local school system classroom setting or other work experience with youth in a classroom setting.
2. Preference given to instructors who have experienced with foster care or at-risk youth

Work Hours

TBD

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Ability to effectively communicate on a daily basis.
2. Ability to use a computer in day-to-day work (i.e. type on a keyboard and use a mouse).
3. Ability to conduct or attend meetings in various locations on and off campus.
4. Ability to maintain a high level of concentration.

Proposed Starting Date

May 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume / C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference List

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior

Special Instructions for Applicants

Initial application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All application materials must be submitted online. Application materials submitted via fax, email, or mail will not be accepted.

Please prepare in advance separate documents representing a cover letter, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), and resume/C.V. to attach to this application.

Contact Information for Applicants

Ms. Tameka Thompson, Academy Director
tfthom1@ilstu.edu
309-438-5841

Dr. Deneca Avant, Executive Director
dwinfre@ilstu.edu
309-438-4498

First Star ISU Academy

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.