General Summary:
Upward Bound summer instructors are responsible for planning and implementing dynamic, engaging, empowering project-based courses as part of our 6-week residential summer program. The coursework and classroom environment should encourage and reward reflection, revision, and improvement.
Curriculum:
Instructors design their own curriculum that matches and supports Upward Bound’s teaching and learning goals. Courses should incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy, project-based learning, student-centered learning, service learning/community action projects, and multicultural perspectives. Each course should focus on one overarching project that guides the content and skills you want students to learn and apply. Students may work in groups or individually on the class project and present the project at Family Day on the last day of the summer program.
Examples of Duties:
Instructor Responsibilities:
- Must be able to participate in staff orientation
- Determine appropriate and feasible final project for summer project showcase
- Work collaboratively with the other instructors to ensure that courses are integrated
- Participate in weekly teacher meetings
- Complete midterm evaluations of student progress
- Complete final evaluations of students
- Communicate student progress to summer staff, administrative staff, and students’ families
- Weekly 1-1 check-ins with students who are not performing to capacity
- Attend and participate in Family Day, the summer-end celebration in the evening of August 4th
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Master's degree preferred
- Teaching experience, preferably with urban youth
- Demonstrated experience with a multi-racial, multi-ethnic population
- Demonstrated teaching philosophy and methods that encourage the development of active and independent learning habits
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement curricula collaboratively
Additional Information:
The University of Massachusetts Boston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other protected class. The University of Massachusetts Boston complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the university operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
Please email upward.bound@umb.edu with any questions.
Tentative dates:
Orientation (mandatory): June 23-25, 2026 (dates may be subject to change)
Program Dates (Sunday evenings – Friday afternoons): June 28 – August 7, 2026
Location:
Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Hours:
Varies based on course schedule. Courses are 1 hour in length and meet between 9am and 2:30pm, Monday through Thursday and between 9am and 1:40pm on Fridays.
About 15 hours per week, including prep per course section.
Compensation:
$2,250 per course section
Program Objectives:
The goal of the Upward Bound Program is to provide participants with the skills and motivation necessary for access to and success in post-secondary education. Upward Bound strives to help students develop confidence and a love of learning. Upward Bound offers an array of academic, personal enrichment, and college/career services designed to supplement high school education and tailored to address specific student needs, including a summer program. The summer program exposes students to life on a college campus, allows for intensive, rigorous academic work, and creates space for students to learn valuable social and decision-making skills. Upward Bound students learn the skills necessary to be agents of change in their own lives, their communities, and the world at large.
How to Apply:
Please email the following items to upward.bound@umb.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, until all positions are filled.
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 references who can speak to your experience and abilities.
- A 1-2 page narrative containing the following information:
- Your teaching philosophy.
- Description of how you will integrate project-based learning into your course.
- Your teaching strengths and areas in which you would need support.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references.
This is a non-union exempt position. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of Aug 31, 2027, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs.
UMass Boston expects to pay $2,250 per course section. for this position.
The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on the consideration of all relevant factors when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.