General Summary:
Urban Scholars is a year-round college access program dedicated to empowering underrepresented and economically disadvantaged high school students from Boston. Through a comprehensive approach that includes tutoring, after-school classes, college readiness programs, field trips, and personalized advising, we aim to prepare students for success in higher education. A key component of our program is an intensive six-week Summer Institute hosted at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Urban Scholars instructors are responsible for designing and leading dynamic, project-based courses that empower students and build essential skills for college and future careers. Their lessons should prioritize the development of cross-disciplinary academic proficiencies, including critical reading, media literacy, analytical writing, and proficient communication, while actively cultivating student habits like self-reflection, a growth mindset, and self-regulation to prepare scholars for academic and professional success.
We are currently seeking instructors for our summer institute in the following subject areas:
• Math (algebra I, geometry, algebra II, pre-calculus, calculus)
• Lab science (biology, chemistry, physics)
• English Language Arts
• Foreign language (Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.)
• Electives or other STEM subjects (environmental science, genetics, coding, etc.)
Instructor Responsibilities:
• Must be able to participate in staff orientation
• Teach 1-2 courses in the morning/early afternoon 5 days a week. Classes run approximately 60 minutes.
• 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 mid-term and final evaluations of students and a final course summary.
• Communicate student progress to summer staff and administrative staff
• Weekly 1-1 check-ins with students who are not performing to capacity
• Attend and participate in Family Day, the summer-end celebration
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
Dates
Staff training: June 24-26, 2026 (tentative)
Program dates: June 29 – August 6, 2026
Hours
Varies based on course schedule. Courses are 1 hour in length and meet between 9 AM and 1:45 PM, Monday through Thursday and between 9 AM and 11:55 AM on Fridays.
Location:
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125
Compensation:
$2,250 per course section.
How to apply:
Please email the following to Suamy Ventura, Director, at Suamy.Ventura@umb.edu or to UrbanScholars@umb.edu.
1. Resume
2. Contact information for 3 references who can speak to your experience and abilities.
3. A 1-2 page narrative containing the following information:
a. Your teaching philosophy.
b. Description of how you will integrate project-based learning into your course.
c. Your teaching strengths and areas in which you would need support.
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.
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, 2028, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs.
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.