Job Description

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for High School Students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’25.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College Instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude. For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.

Course Description

This course considers the relationship between wealth and democracy, in theory, in history, and in practice today. Topics investigated include the following: political and legal debates about campaign finance reform from the late 20th century to the present, including whether money is speech and whether campaigns should be publicly financed; the role of the wealthy in American politics as candidates and as donors/funders; and the nature and problem of political corruption.

Readings are drawn from philosophers and political theorists, contemporary studies of the impact of wealth on American democracy, and key Supreme Court decisions including Citizens United. Other sources include film excerpts and press accounts. Students also benefit from several guest speakers working on issues pertaining to campaign finance and related issues of money and politics on the local, state, and/or national level.

Morning sessions are generally devoted to helping students achieve a firm grasp of the theoretical and factual arguments found in the readings, through a combination of presentations by the instructor and class discussion. Afternoon sessions allow students to put these theories and facts to work in written and oral form, working both individually and in small groups.

In addition to completing and discussing reading assignments, students write position papers and participate in debates in which they marshal ideas from the sources studied to justify and defend their positions.

Our ultimate goal is not to establish the proper role of money in politics, but to more deeply understand different ways of thinking about wealth and democracy that have shaped the past and present, and that offer us possibilities for the future.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Course Schedules

Summer C: August 11th to August 15th
Class Times: 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 pm- 5:00pm EST

Please Note: Course(s) and course availability is subject to change. Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations
• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips
• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (you will have around 20-24 students)
• Attend and complete all required online trainings

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information

Hiring Salary Ranges

• Summer C (On-Campus): $3,000 - $3,500

A one-time course development fee will be paid to first time instructors. Development fee rate is $750 for this one week course.

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching in the Message to the Hiring Team field.

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching. Employment eligibility is contingent upon valid work authorization. Individuals on STEM OPT or holders of the following visa types are ineligible to teach Pre-College: B-1, E-3, H-1B, J-1, and O-1.
• Applicants may not hold a concurrent appointment with Columbia for the duration of their appointment
• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.