Instructor-Summer Discovery @ Cornell University

About Summer Discovery

Our mission is to provide best-in-class, immersive summer college enrichment experiences that perfectly balance courses curated by top tier universities in diverse fields of study, with opportunities for students to have fun, travel and explore new places with new friends.

We support students in their mission to deepen their knowledge of their academic passion and foster college-ready confidence through hands-on learning experiences in their preferred field of study. We are the industry trailblazers, applying nearly sixty years of learning, refinement and relationship building into what we do each day.

Simply put, our team is obsessed with summer and determined to help our students excel, building lifelong skills, embracing intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning.

About the role

As a Summer Instructor at the middle school program at Cornell University, you will play a vital role in shaping the educational experience of middle school students. We seek passionate and experienced educators to lead dynamic courses on campus, fostering a stimulating learning environment.

In this position, you’ll receive a partially developed curriculum that includes a course description, an overarching course outline, daily activities, and a capstone project. Your creativity and expertise will help bring this framework to life, engaging students and encouraging critical thinking.

Help us make this summer unforgettable for the next generation of thinkers and doers!

Location: Cornell University-Ithaca, NY

Dates: Monday, July 14-Thursday, July 31, 2025

AM Class: 8:45-11:30am

PM Class: 12:30-3:00pm

Course topics include:

• Creative Writing
• Film Production
• CSI: Forensic Science
• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Robotics
• Marketing & Advertising
• Mock Trial
• Personal Finance
• Leadership

Responsibilities

• Within a provided framework enhance a dynamic and robust pre-college curriculum for 1-2 assigned courses, to be submitted for review in spring.
• A course syllabus developed in Canvas with a course description, learning objectives, assignments, assessments, and recommended guest speakers is also required for review by the Director of Academics.
• Collaboration with the Academic Team on securing guest speakers and on campus site visits prior to program start.
• Deliver daily lectures and facilities in class discussions.
• Proctor attendance for class daily.
• Update readings and other resources on an ongoing basis during sessions.
• Work autonomously with an openness to constructive feedback and coaching.
• Implement differentiated daily instruction based upon the unique abilities of each student providing for an appropriate, intellectually stimulating academic environment.
• Establish a classroom management system which is respectful and conducive to all students’ learning style.
• Provide a safe classroom environment that allows every student to be an active participant: monitors, counsels, and coaches’ inappropriate behavior of students in the academic setting.
• Communicate daily with the Academic Coordinator on student attendance, progress, behavioral/academic/peer concerns, facility, and course syllabus issues.
• Be able to interact, communicate, and present oneself in a professional manner.
• Be able to work and anticipate unexpected situations or assist during emergency operations.
• Complete all Pre-Program responsibilities:
• Review previous course syllabus and aside time for course planning to identify academic course questions and supplemental resources.
• Attend synchronous and asynchronous training and virtual orientations.
• Attend and participate in pre-program on-campus staff orientation training.
• Create a Canvas account prior to virtual training.
• Complete all Post-Program responsibilities: student evaluations for each course taught.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Expected hours of Work / Travel

• This role is required to be at the assigned campus during assigned course periods and days.
• Attend required pre-program virtual training and possible in-person campus orientation.
• This role is expected to commute to and from program location daily, housing is not provided.
• Parking is not provided on campus; Instructor is responsible for cost.
• Kitchen space is provided on campus, meals are the responsibility of the Instructor.

Experience/ Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3 years of middle/high school teaching preferred. Industry professionals with 3 years expertise in the subject matter of the course will also be considered.
• Teaching experience in the classroom or professional setting is required, along with experience in experiential teaching/learning.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a summer academic environment.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Available to commute to campus, Monday-Friday, for 3 weeks
• Housing is not provided; instructors should live within a daily commutable distance and are responsible for their own transportation and cost.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and be eligible to work in the US.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Docs, and online learning platforms, Canvas LMS preferred.

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory employment background check.

Summer Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Summer Discovery does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.