Instructor in Rocketry - Summer Portals

The-Hotchkiss-School; Interlaken Estates (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT, invites qualified instructors to join the Summer Portals Rocketry Program for a two-week session running July 12–24, 2027. Daily schedule includes 9:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., with a Saturday session on 7/19.

Instructors collaborate with the Program Director to implement a rocket program that teaches model rocketry, flight simulations, and an ARC competition, guiding students through design, build, testing and final presentation.

Qualifications

• A four-year college degree is required.
• Demonstrated successful teaching experience with prior rocketry teaching.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to oversee the program and instructors.
• Excellent communication promoting inclusive and respectful behavior among students and colleagues.
• Friendly, approachable demeanor with compassion and patience for students.

Responsibilities

• Meet with Program Director ahead of dates to review curriculum and materials.
• Organize program educational material and support lesson planning.
• Instruct students by assessing their level and guiding skill development.
• Mentor and supervise students, dorm supervision if applicable.
• Provide written assessments detailing each student’s progress and growth.

Skills

Teaching rocketry

Time management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Empathy and patience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Hotchkiss School
Lakeville, CT 06039, USA

Description

Department: Summer Portals
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Dean of Summer Programs

Dates: July 12, 2027 - July 24, 2027 – Two-Week Program

Class Schedule: 9:00 a.m. - Noon; 1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.);

Sat. 7/19th, 9:00 a.m. -Noon

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In the Rocketry Program, instructors collaborate with the Program Director to execute a two-week curriculum that introduces students to key concepts and practices of rocketry. Students will learn the fundamentals of model rocketry by designing, building and flying a rocket that can be used to compete in the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) at the student’s home school. Rocket flight fundamentals will be studied to design a model rocket that meets the rules of the 2025 ARC, open to students in U.S. schools in grades 6-12. Students will conduct flight simulations to optimize the design of the rocket. Once the design is complete, students will build, paint and add design to their rocket. Students will then fly their completed rockets to test the accuracy of their simulations. Students will be provided instruction that will allow them to take their rocket back to their school, form a team, and compete.

Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School includes a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings to rising 6 th through 9 th grade students, many of whom are experiencing a residential learning experience for the first time. Students come to Summer Portals from diverse nationalities and cultures, seeking academic enrichment and exploration.

The Hotchkiss School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In advance of Program dates, meet with the Program Director to review the curriculum; and syllabus, as well as field and lab-based activities;
• Organize program educational material,
• Support the curriculum and class lesson planning for the program,
• Instructors will support collaborative classroom practices, supporting problem-solving and the sharing of responsibilities in an equitable manner, allowing students to provide and receive both oral and written constructive feedback and self-evaluation as they apply the scientific method to environmental problems.
• Instruct students by observing their academic level, conducting activities to support their skill development, and helping them explore and collaborate with others.
• Counsel, support, and guide students as needed.
• Identify and communicate with the Program Director, any emergent need that warrants immediate support, ensuring student safety and well-being.
• Portals Faculty are expected to eat communally with students.
• Instructors who receive campus housing and are not full-time Hotchkiss faculty are expected to support four nights of dorm supervision duty.
• Instructors, along with the Program Director, will supervise and mentor a Summer Fellow who will provide instructional program support.
• Instructors will guide students as they prepare a final program culminating experience, one that demonstrates their understanding of concepts and the confidence gained.
• At the end of the program, Instructors provide a written assessment commenting on each student’s progress, describing their growth, attitude, effort, and achievement. Program directors are responsible for making sure that the instructors in their program complete comments in a timely manner.
• Participate in Summer Portals faculty orientation, which includes online professional boundaries training in Sexual Harassment Prevention, and CT Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Training.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A four-year College Degree is required.
• Qualified applicants will have demonstrated successful teaching and have prior experience with teaching rocketry.
• Possess excellent time management and organizational skills needed to oversee the program and other instructor colleagues.
• Possess strong communication skills that effectively promote inclusive and respectful behavior amongst students and respectful exchange amongst colleagues.
• Friendly attitude and approachable demeanor that exhibits compassion, empathy, and patience for students.

PHYSICAL WORK CONDITIONS

• Faculty are expected to perform work on campus in the presence of students.
• Must be able to maintain a stationary position and/or traverse while performing essential responsibilities.
• Must be able to communicate and converse as well as distinguish and observe.
• The Hotchkiss School is a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

For further information, contact:

Dean of Summer Programs

Director, Center for Global Understanding & Independent Thinking

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.