Science & Math Instructor
Who We Are
Heights Philadelphia (“Heights”) is an economic mobility catalyst committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Philadelphia by creating pathways to educational and workforce success for all young people, especially Black, Latino, and first-generation-to-college students from low-income communities. These pathways are the foundation of a more equitable and prosperous future for the city.
Heights serves more than 3,500 students from middle school to career with staff embedded in 25 schools across the School District of Philadelphia and partnerships with 13 colleges and universities. Through advising and enrichment, pathways to careers, partnerships, and community, Heights transforms opportunities for success by equipping students with the tools to pursue careers that lead to economic mobility.
About this Role:
The Science & Math Instructor will play a key role as a near-pear instructor for rising 10th and 11th grade students in our new Biomedical & Life Science Foundations program. They will co-teach algebra, biology, and chemistry lessons and lab activities to a group of about 14 students. The instructor will also serve as a near-peer role model to students, helping with community-building and career exploration activities with these students and possibly other students in summer Heights STEM Pathways programs.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Co-teaching math, biology, and chemistry lessons as a near-peer instructor with a group of approx. 14 rising 10th and 11th grade students
- Working closely with the Life Science Fellow, Director of STEM Pathways, and other team members
- Serving as a mentor to students, building rapport with them, and sharing your experience and enthusiasm for science and math
- Supporting lab activities as needed
- Providing 1-on-1 academic support as needed
- Conducting regular check-ins with students, including having lunch with students
- Conducting student assessments and surveys
About you:
- Pursuing undergraduate or graduate degree in an science, engineering, STEM education, or related field
- Prior teaching, tutoring, or mentoring experience with adolescents
- Interest in advancing equity and access in STEM fields among students from underinvested communities
- Enjoys science and math and making complex concepts relatable and understandable to peers and near-peers
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Willing to take initiative
- Personal, volunteer, and/or work experience connected to understanding the lived experiences of our Black, Latino, and first-generation scholars
Heights employees:
- Must meet expectations to report in-person on a schedule determined by their direct manager and/or the Vice President of the team.
- Must meet PA State background check requirements [PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Fingerprint Check] at hire and every five years thereafter.
- Must be able to complete an I-9 employment verification form to work in the United States
- Strong orientation to customer service, particularly with regard to students, partners and colleagues
- Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and related applications, as well as use of general office equipment (phones, computers, copiers, etc)
- Fluency in the use of data and data systems. Maintains appropriate engagement with data entry, reporting and review.
- Must adhere to COVID safety guidelines as established by Heights and/or its partners.
- Office-based staff should be mindful of the organization’s strong recommendation that staff maintain up to date with COVID vaccination and boosters.
- Site-based staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must submit to any COVID testing or other health screenings as required by the Department of Human Services and/or the School District of Philadelphia.
- Must be able to work in a busy, often complex work environment that is generally climate controlled.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted on an occasional basis.
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
- Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time.
- Access to reliable transportation required