Instructional Specialist

About The School of The New York Times & Summer Academy

Highly innovative, The School of The New York Times (The School) offers a comprehensive set of educational

offerings for pre-college students. Drawing upon unequaled expertise and unrivaled access, The School provides

seminal formative experiences, helping students develop expanded vision and focus, while serving as the foundation

for success in their future studies and in life itself. Held in New York City, Summer Academy (SA) provides

students with an immersive environment during 2-week terms, in which they learn, investigate and explore while

having fun and discovering friends, mentors and instructors who share their passions and interests.

Job Summary

Helping support Faculty members, Instructional Specialists will work to maintain a high level of excellence in the

classroom, where students continue to hone their skills and explore different career paths.

Under the direction of School staff and Instructional Coordinators, Instructional Specialists provide pedagogical

feedback to School staff, observing classrooms and giving critical information in order to strengthen pedagogy.

Additionally, they help coordinate the administrative and programmatic aspects of the Summer Academy

educational experience, as well as serve as back-up instructional support and chaperones for classroom activities

and site visits.

As leaders, Instructional Specialists are expected to serve as a role model for responsible behavior, work ethic and

integrity for both staff and students throughout SA. In addition, Instructional Specialists serve as on-the-ground

support for day-to-day challenges and liaising between School staff and Faculty members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following, but other duties may be assigned.

• Attend online training sessions on diversity and inclusion; an orientation session on relationships,

responsibilities and logistics and other training as directed

• Review course syllabi as needed

• Provide pedagogical feedback to strengthen courses, visiting assigned classrooms and observing

sessions

• Ensure successful preparation and deployment of classroom materials, petty cash, bookings, logistics

and educational technology

• Serve as backup/substitute Faculty

• Review and revise student evaluations as needed

• Chaperone classroom activities and site visits as needed

• Ensure the safety of students while on campus or on field trips

• Follow safety and discipline protocols when situations require action

• Support students when they need guidance

Knowledge and Abilities

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are

representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be

made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy in interpersonal relationships

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, whether it be in person or online.

• Ability to be present in the office• Demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy in interpersonal relationships, working across diverse

teams and cultures.

• Organizational and administrative skills with the ability to anticipate, improvise and adapt for optimal

resolutions.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, work effectively on a team, maintain composure in stressful

situations and work under pressure.

• Support and embrace diversity and inclusiveness

• Enthusiastic about working with youth between the ages 15-18

• Effective communicator on the phone, in person, and online

• Can recognize an issue and address it in a timely manner Curious about the city and comfortable

exploring it with students

Education, Work Experience and/or Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; a graduate degree (obtained or in progress) or relevant

professional experience is recommended.

• 2+ years of assistant teaching experience or one year of experience as a lead teacher with some

experience in teaching writing (either journalism, composition, and/or academic analysis)

• CPR certification (obtained prior to arrival on campus)

Language Skills

While no special language skills are required for the position, applicants should be capable of upholding the highest

standards of written and spoken English.

Dates

Instructional Specialists will staff Summer Academy terms Monday to Friday starting on June 1 and finishing on

July 31 (9 weeks equivalent). Summer Academy runs in two-week terms. Week 1 and Week 2 take place Monday to

Friday. This position will have general hours between 8am-5pm.

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully

perform the essential functions of his/her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to

enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, travel up and down stairs, crouch, stoop and reach. •

Ability to lift up to 25lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while

performing the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Basic office environment

• Basic classroom environment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an

individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and

skills required of personnel so classified.

The School reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.

Salary

The Instructional Specialist is paid a summer stipend of $8,752 as an Independent Contractor.

The School of The New York Times is an equal opportunity employer.