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ACE Instructor

Digital Ready
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The ACE Instructor will lead “Introduction to Architectural Design and Graphics I”, a college-level architecture course offered in partnership with UMass Amherst at Digital Ready’s Future of Work Lab. In this in-person role, the ACE Instructor will introduce young adults to the fundamentals of architecture and design through hands-on, studio-based learning experiences. 

The instructor will guide students through foundational concepts in design thinking, architectural drawing, visual communication, spatial exploration, and model making. Students will learn how to develop and communicate design ideas through sketching, drawing, physical models, and introductory design projects while becoming familiar with the architecture studio process. 

The ACE Instructor will be responsible for planning and facilitating engaging lessons and design projects aligned with the UMass Amherst course curriculum, providing ongoing feedback and critique, assessing student work, and supporting students in successfully completing the course and earning college credit. 

Schedule & Location 

  • Dates: September 1, 2026 – January 22, 2027 
  • Class Days/Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00–6:00 pm 
  • Additional Time: Weekly planning, team meetings, student feedback, and course preparation
  • Location: Digital Ready – Future of Work Lab, 3377 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02130 

 

OUR MISSION 

Digital Ready prepares the next generation of Black and Latinx innovators for high-wage careers in Boston’s rapidly growing innovation economy. We create equitable pathways that connect young people to emerging industries through hands-on learning, industry-aligned training, and meaningful work-based experiences. 

Being Digital Ready means being prepared to navigate and shape a constantly evolving world. Our apprentices develop the technical skills, creative confidence, and problem-solving mindsets needed to address complex challenges while building the social capital and credentials required to access economic opportunity. Through Digital Ready’s pathways, students earn valuable “currency” for the innovation economy—including industry-recognized credentials, college credits, professional digital portfolios, and meaningful relationships with employers, mentors, and industry leaders. 

 

OUR VALUES 

  • We actively fight against the status quo that allows injustices to be perpetuated without accountability;
  • We use our political power, social capital, and networks to create access to high-quality education opportunities for students; 
  • We value diverse perspectives, which we believe leads to more identity-affirming and innovative learning experiences for students; 
  • We are committed to being an anti-racist organization that prioritizes the voices of students and communities of color; 
  • We intentionally support the redesign of policies and structures of systemic racism that continues to exclude and harm communities of color; 
  • We actively interrogate schools' curriculum, industries' hiring practices, and other institutional practices that limit who has access to Boston's innovation economy. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

As the ACE Instructor for Architecture and Design I at the Future of Work Lab, you will introduce young adults to architecture and design through a hands-on, studio-based college course offered in partnership with UMass Amherst. 

Architecture and Design I is a dual enrollment course, giving students the opportunity to experience what it is like to take a college-level architecture class while still in high school. Throughout the semester, students will learn the basics of design, architectural drawing, visual communication, model making, and the design process. They will also have opportunities to work with design software and 3D printing to turn their ideas into physical models and prototypes.A key goal of the course is for students to successfully complete the semester with a C or higher, allowing them to earn college credit through UMass Amherst. Beyond the grade, we want students to leave the course feeling more confident in their ability to succeed in a college environment and with a stronger understanding of architecture, design, and the different educational and career pathways available to them. 

As the ACE Instructor, you will develop and facilitate projects that allow students to learn through designing and making. Students will move from early ideas and sketches to drawings, digital models, physical models, and final presentations. You will provide regular feedback and design critiques, support students as they build their portfolios, and help them develop both their technical skills and their ability to talk about and present their work. 

Create an Inspiring and Inclusive Learning Environment 

Cultivate a learning environment where every young adult feels a sense of belonging and can envision themselves pursuing a high-wage career in the ACE industry. Through authentic industry experiences, rigorous technical learning, and meaningful relationships, inspire participants to see themselves as the next generation of leaders + innovators. 

  • Build strong, trusting relationships that promote confidence, persistence, and a growth mindset.
  • Create an inclusive lab culture where all young adults are challenged, supported, and encouraged to take intellectual risks. 
  • Integrate career-connected learning experiences throughout the semester, including industry site visits, guest speakers, career conversations, and employer engagement. 
  • Design learning experiences that reflect the diversity of Boston's workforce and expose participants to multiple career pathways. 
  • Partner with the Success & Belonging Team to identify and address barriers that may impact participant engagement, attendance, or success.

 

Deliver Rigorous, Project-Based Learning 

Lead engaging, hands-on instruction that prepares young adults to learn the fundamentals of architecture, construction, and advanced manufacturing while developing the technical and professional skills needed for careers in the industry. 

  • Plan and facilitate high-quality instruction aligned to the ACE curriculum.
  • Design and implement four industry-connected technical projects that reinforce concepts and authentic workplace skills, including one self-directed project driven by participant interests. 
  • Create opportunities for participants to apply concepts through real-world challenges, design thinking, and problem solving. 
  • Ensure every participant develops a professional digital portfolio showcasing technical projects, certifications, reflections, and career-ready artifacts. 
  • Provide ongoing coaching and feedback on technical competencies, teamwork, communication, and presentation skills. 
  • Monitor participant progress and implement targeted interventions to support success. 

Collaborate to Deliver High-Quality Work-Based Learning 

Work collaboratively with the Digital Ready team and partners to design and continuously improve learning experiences that reflect the Jobs for the Future (JFF) Indicators of High-Quality Work-Based Learning, ensuring participants develop the technical, professional, and durable skills required for success in Boston's growing clean energy economy. 

  • Collaborate with Teaching & Learning staff to design and refine curriculum, projects, and assessments aligned to industry needs and the JFF Indicators of High-Quality Work-Based Learning. 
  • Participate in weekly instructional planning meetings to review participant progress, strengthen instructional practices, and coordinate supports. 
  • Partner with employer and community partners to integrate authentic workplace experiences into the curriculum. 
  • Prepare instructional materials, maintain an organized lab environment, and ensure equipment is ready for participant use. 
  • Track participant progress, certification attainment, project completion, and portfolio development using Digital Ready's data systems. 
  • Use participant data to identify trends, inform instructional decisions, and develop targeted interventions that improve participant outcomes. 
  • Contribute to a collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement and exceptional participant experiences. 

Compensation 

Stipend amount will be determined based on the candidate's level of experience.  Apply through this link: https://form.typeform.com/to/lYSDdhd