High School Youth Program Instructor: Foundations of Psychology

Department Overview

Badger Precollege, Division of Continuing Studies

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Friday, July 31st, 2026

Not Remote

Minimum: 30 Maximum:40

All Staff Training:
Saturday, June 13th 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

BSS Opening Sunday:
Sunday, July 19th 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Program Dates:
Monday, July 20th – Friday, July 31st

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Lump Sum: $3150

1

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or content related field
• 2 years of teaching experience with precollege students preferred. Student teaching experience will be considered.
• Graduate level coursework, completed or in progress, is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver engaging content to high school students is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well with students, administration, and support staff
• Experience planning and modifying curriculum to meet the needs of all students
• Respect for individual differences and individuality.

A successful high school instructor and curriculum developer blends academic expertise, instructional design, and interpersonal skills. They must be both architects of learning experiences and mentors who inspire students, ensuring the curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and aligned with future academic pathways.

• Teaching experience working with high school students
• Subject matter expertise and deep understanding of discipline
• Knowledge of learning theories, pedagogy and adolescent development
• Awareness of digital tools, learning management systems (Canvas), and emerging educational technologies.

Instructor and curriculum designer for the Insights into Exploring the Mind:
Foundations of Psychology course for the Badger Summer Scholars Program. Program dates are July 19 – July 31, 2026. The instructor’s main role in the program is to review curriculum with existing material and be a teacher and a facilitator of learning. Instructors can expect to work with a class size of up to 18 high school students.

Course description:
How does your brain’s hidden system manage your memories, decisions, and biases in everyday life? This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. We’ll explore the major subfields of psychology, including cognitive, developmental, social, abnormal, and biological psychology. Along with learning the basics of psychology and how research works, you’ll also explore how these ideas apply to real world scenarios and everyday life.

We’ll examine potential career paths and academic opportunities in psychology and related fields, such as counseling, clinical psychology, human resources, education, health sciences, social work, and research. Students will develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills while gaining insight into the breadth of professional options within psychology by way of discussions, case studies, and experiential activities.

Instructors are responsible for:

• Developing (or modifying) an engaging course with activities and lessons designed to provide high quality and fast‑paced learning for high school students including elements of college, major, and career preparation revolving around the class topic.
• Designing curriculum with existing material following Badger Precollege templates and process (Complete Syllabus including course information, weekly schedule, daily lesson plans, presentation slides, and materials.)
• Completing all hiring requirements and trainings required by Human Resources at the UW‑Madison.
• Participating in staff orientation before the program begins (June 13th).
• Attending instructor check‑in meetings scheduled throughout the program.
• Attending opening and closing day events July 19th and July 31st, 2026.
• Leading daily instructional sessions M‑F 9:00‑2:30pm, July 19th – July 31st , 2026 for a group of 8‑18 students.
• Completing post‑program student evaluation materials.

Instructors can expect to teach eager, curious students with a strong…