Upward Bound Academic Instructor

NU USA Northeastern University; Michigan; On-site; USD 55,000 - 103,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision and dental insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Wellness & life insurance

Commuting & transportation support

Job summary

The Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Program seeks instructors to teach 9th–12th grade students in STEM and non-STEM subjects as part of a federally funded TRiO program in the Oakland area. The role involves developing engaging curricula, motivating students, and supporting college readiness through project-based learning and real-world applications.

Position is temporary with multiple Saturday sessions and a structured schedule; compensation ranges from $40 to $75 per hour

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years of teaching related subjects.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with low-income, first-generation students.
• Proficiency in subject matter and pedagogy.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective units, lessons, and classroom activities.
• Manage classroom systems and behavior to keep students engaged.
• Support classroom systems established by lead teachers.
• Design a course syllabus outlining concepts, in-class work, projects, and post-assessments.
• Attend staff meetings and planning sessions.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Skills

Mathematics

Biology

Physical Science

English

History

Foreign Language

Arts

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About the Opportunity

Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound (MCUB) is a federally funded TRiO program designed to enhance the academic skills of low-income first‑generation college‑bound high school students in the Oakland and West Contra Costa Unified School District with the goal that participants will pursue post‑secondary education. TRiO is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Program offers an educational program for 9th‑12th grade students. The Saturday College program provides academic instruction in English, Sciences, and Mathematics. It also provides courses and workshops exploring various topics including Life Skills, Study Skills, College Preparation, Career Exploration, and Cultural Awareness. The Saturday College program will be carried out at Mills Institute @ Northeastern University throughout the academic year twice per month. Staff orientation/training will take place prior to the first instructional day (Date To Be Announced) via Microsoft Teams. Instruction for the Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Program is scheduled to begin Saturday, October10. The daily instructional schedule is as follows: 9:00a.m.–9:30a.m. Staff Check‑In 9:35a.m.–10:35a.m. Prep Time 10:40a.m.–11:55a.m. Period1 12:00p.m.–1:15p.m. Period2

The following Saturdays are scheduled for instruction. Prep time is also allotted.

• 2026October10 and24
• November7and14
• December5and12
• 2027January16 and23
• February6,20,and27
• March13 and20

Program Content and Instruction

We are seeking instructors capable of teaching one or more of the following subjects:

• Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, AlgebraII, Trigonometry, Pre‑Calculus, Calculus)
• Biology
• Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics)
• English Composition or Literature
• History (World, U.S., or Government)
• Foreign Language (Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL))
• Visual/Performing Arts

The position requires an individual with passion, engaging teaching practices, and knowledge to motivate and challenge students to develop skills necessary for college success. We seek instructors who can develop a strong curriculum that addresses students’ needs, interests, abilities, and curiosities. Each course will be defined by: Class sizes of5-20 students, $200 supplies budget, Enrichment instruction, group work, and real‑world application of concepts taught, Experiential learning, interactive curriculum, foundational development, problem‑solving skills, presentation of novel concepts, basic adult life skills, and project‑based learning activities.

Compensation

Academic Year– STEM Courses: $75.00 per hour

Academic Year– Non‑STEM Courses: $50.00 per hour

Summer Term– All Disciplines: $40.00 per hour

Please note: The Summer Term rate reflects a modified structure to accommodate a significantly higher volume of weekly instructional and preparation hours compared to the standard academic year.

Job Summary

The Instructor will teach academic and enrichment courses to high school students participating in the Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Program. This position is responsible for developing and implementing engaging curriculum, fostering academic success, supporting college readiness, and creating a productive learning environment for low‑income, first‑generation college‑bound students.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Develop and implement effective units, lessons, and classroom activities
• Organize classroom systems and procedures and manage student behavior to ensure all students are fully engaged in learning
• Support classroom systems and procedures established by classroom teachers
• Design and implement a course syllabus that effectively outlines monthly concepts covered, in‑class work, group work, projects, and post‑assessment activities
• Establish classroom management policies and procedures needed to maintain a productive classroom environment
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support the Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and code of ethical behavior
• Participate in instructional staff meetings from 9:00a.m. to 9:30a.m. before the instructional day begins
• Attend teacher orientation and planning sessions, program activities, and final evaluation closing sessions
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching related subjects
• Minimum of 2 years of direct experience working with or teaching low‑income, first‑generation college‑bound students
• Thorough knowledge of the subject matter and skill acquisition in the subject being taught
• Demonstrated proficiency in related fields and proficiency with computers
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning modalities, and teaching styles
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience related to challenges facing low‑income and first‑generation students
• Ability to effectively work with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to understand and enforce all Mills Institute @ Northeastern University Upward Bound Program policies

Preferred

Teaching Credential or active pursuit of a Teaching Credential, Experience teaching in the Oakland Unified School District

Required Documents

Resume

Position Type

Temporary

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement‑ as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Rate: $40/hr - $75/hr

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real‑world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.