Departmental Assistant​/UBSI Instructor

Departmental Assistant / UBSI Instructor

Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life

College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Sup Prog

Department: AISP Administration

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Part Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

The Upward Bound Summer Institute (UBSI) is a 6-week residential experience hosted at UMass Amherst for 40-60 high school students. The UBSI Instructor teaches classes in at least one content area, conducts sessions, supervises tutor/mentors in and out of the classroom, and participates in various aspects of this intensive program. This grant‑funded position is supervised by the Upward Bound Program Director.

• Participate in a one-week mandatory staff orientation and training prior to program start.
• Plan, prepare, and deliver instruction to Upward Bound Scholars in assigned content areas, teaching at least four 1‑hour classes daily, Monday through Friday.
• Develop and execute innovative, dynamic, hands‑on, experiential classes.
• Apply a growth‑mindset‑based curriculum.
• Design and implement cross‑curricular and cross‑content instruction with other faculty.
• Supervise tutor/mentors and oversee planning and preparation for out‑of‑class tutoring.
• Create and maintain a positive, productive, safe, and harmonious learning environment.
• Build meaningful student‑teacher relationships and support scholars’ growth.
• Attend staff development activities, weekly staff meetings, and student assemblies as needed.
• Prepare and submit written evaluations of staff, students, and the program biweekly.
• Communicate student progress to program staff and families.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or related experience.
• Experience designing inclusive, experiential, universally designed curriculum for high school students.
• Experience teaching inclusive, experiential, universally designed educational experiences for high school students.
• Experience working with students of varying learning abilities and those with Individual Educational Plans (IEP).
• Experience managing classrooms and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Professional attitude.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Knowledge of factors affecting student access and success in urban high schools, including marginalized students and students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral support, critical pedagogy, and culturally affirming and sustaining practices.

• Master’s degree.
• Knowledge of and experience with MA Teaching Standards.
• Experience using positive behavioral management approaches with high‑school students.
• Experience working in Upward Bound/TRIO or similar academic/summer residential programs.
• Experience teaching urban high‑school‑aged youth.
• Commitment to the educational philosophy of Upward Bound/TRIO programs.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral support, critical pedagogy, and culturally affirming and sustaining practices.

• Qualifications Acquired on the Job:
  Experience teaching/supporting students in a college‑preparatory program; understanding of program participant evaluation; additional knowledge of Upward Bound/TRIO programs and philosophy.
• Graduate students are welcome to apply.

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Monday–Friday; approximately 20 hours per week.

Hourly Rate: $32