About Summer Discovery

Our mission is to provide best-in-class, immersive summer college enrichment experiences that perfectly balance curriculums curated by top subject matter experts in diverse fields of study, with opportunities for students to have fun, travel and explore new places with new friends. 

We support students in their mission to deepen their knowledge of their academic passion and foster college-ready confidence through hands-on learning experiences. We are the industry trailblazers, applying nearly sixty years of learning, refinement and relationship building into what we do each day.  

Simply put, our team is obsessed with summer and determined to help our students excel, building lifelong skills, embracing intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning. Our team members make a significant impact in the lives of students, and we take great pride in supporting them in every step of the journey – we roll up our sleeves and do what it takes to deliver the very best summer ever.

Help us make this summer unforgettable for the next generation of thinkers and doers!

What’s the job? 

As a Summer Discovery Instructor, you will play a vital role in shaping the educational experience of middle and high school students. We seek passionate and experienced educators to lead dynamic summer enrichment courses on campus, fostering a stimulating learning environment.

In this position, you will receive a course overview that includes a course description, learning outcomes, and may include suggested hands-on activities including field trips, guest speakers, and interactive activities. Instructors will use this overview to build a complete curriculum including a syllabus, daily lesson plans, weekly overviews, and a final capstone project that adheres to the Summer Discovery Academic Model, to be provided upon hire.

Courses range between one and three weeks depending on the assigned campus. Appointments may include a full-day course or academy, or a full-day appointment with two separate courses in the morning and afternoon, respectively. 

Campuses available: 

• University of California, Berkeley (June 29 - July 23, 2026)
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (June 29 - July 31, 2026)
• Cornell University (July 13 - July 30, 2026)

Course topics may include (varies by campus): 

• Advertising
• Architecture
• Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Computer Science and Coding
• Business
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Psychology
• Engineering
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Finance
• Law
• Debate
• Writing

Essential Functions

• Develop a course curriculum that includes a syllabus, a weekly overview, daily lesson plans, and a final capstone project, according to the provided Summer Discovery Academic Framework, for each course assigned, to be submitted for review by May 1, 2026.
• Build curriculum into Google Classroom for pre-summer collaboration and in-summer class coordination, including student-facing course details, daily resources, student performance assessments, and communication with students.
• Incorporate interactive learning components including guest speakers, field trips, and labs/simulations where appropriate. Identify, contact, confirm, and coordinate preparation for interactive learning activities by June 1, 2026.
• Deliver daily lectures and facilitate in-class hands on, interactive activities and discussions.
• Proctor attendance for class daily.
• Work autonomously with an openness to constructive feedback and coaching.  
• Implement differentiated daily instruction based upon the unique abilities of each student providing for an appropriate, intellectually stimulating academic environment.

• Establish a classroom management system which is respectful and conducive to all students’ learning style.

• Provide a safe classroom environment that allows every student to be an active participant: monitors, counsels, and coaches’ inappropriate behavior of students in the academic setting.
• Communicate daily with the Academic Dean or Coordinator on student attendance, progress, behavioral/academic/peer concerns, facility, and course syllabus issues.
• Interact, communicate, and present oneself in a professional manner.

• Anticipate unexpected situations and react according to designated Summer discovery protocol or assist during emergency operations.

• Pre-Program responsibilities:

• Ensure curriculum is final and all necessary course planning is complete two weeks prior to the program start.
• Attend asynchronous and synchronous virtual training sessions.
• Attend pre-program on-campus staff orientation Saturday before the first class.
• Create a Google Classroom account prior to virtual training.

• Complete Post-Program responsibilities: student evaluations for each course taught.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

Independent Work: Operate autonomously while remaining receptive to constructive feedback and coaching.

• Leadership and Mentoring: Exhibit and encourage positive leadership, teamwork, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
• Professional Conduct: Interact and present yourself in a professional manner at all times.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to manage unexpected situations and contribute to change in operations as needed.

Expected hours of Work / Travel

• This role is required to be at the assigned campus during assigned course periods and days.
• Attend required pre-program virtual training and possible in-person campus orientation.
• This role is expected to commute to and from program location daily, housing is not provided.

Experience/ Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required; MA, PhD, or terminal degree (or current enrollment) in a relevant field preferred.
• 3+ years of middle/high school teaching preferred. Industry professionals with 3+ years expertise in the subject matter of the course will also be considered.
• Teaching experience in the classroom or professional setting is required, project-based teaching experience preferred.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a summer academic environment.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Available to commute to campus, Monday-Friday, for 5 weeks: July 1-August 1, 2024.
• Housing is not provided; instructors should live within a daily commutable distance and are responsible for their own transportation and cost.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and be eligible to work in the US.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Docs, and online learning platforms, Canvas LMS preferred.

Salary Range: $47-$57 per hour. Salary is dependent on education, teaching experience and campus location. 

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory employment background check. 

Summer Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Summer Discovery does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.