Instructor in Rocketry

Job Details

Description

Department:
Summer Portals

FLSA:
Exempt

Reports to:

Dean of Summer Programs

Dates:
June 28, 2026 - July 12, 2026 – Two-Week Program

Class

Schedule:

9:00 a.m.

- Noon; 1:30 p.m.

- 3:15 p.m. (Mon.

-Fri.)

Sat. 7/19th, 9:00 a.m.

- Noon

In the Rocketry Program, instructors collaborate with the Program Director to execute a two‑week curriculum that introduces students to key concepts and practices of rocketry. Students will learn the fundamentals of model rocketry by designing, building and flying a rocket that can be used to compete in the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) at the student’s home school. Rocket flight fundamentals will be studied to design a model rocket that meets the rules of the 2025 ARC, open to students in U.S. schools in grades 6‑12.

Students will conduct flight simulations to optimize the design of the rocket. Once the design is complete, students will build, paint and add design to their rocket. Students will then fly their completed rockets to test the accuracy of their simulations. Students will be provided instruction that will allow them to take their rocket back to their school, form a team, and compete.

Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School includes a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings to rising 6th through 9th grade students, many of whom are experiencing a residential learning experience for the first time. Students come to Summer Portals from diverse nationalities and cultures, seeking academic enrichment and exploration.

The Hotchkiss School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

• In advance of Program dates, meet with the Program Director to review the curriculum; and syllabus, as well as field and lab-based activities;
• Organize program educational material,
• Support the curriculum and class lesson planning for the program,
• Instructors will support collaborative classroom practices, supporting problem-solving and the sharing of responsibilities in an equitable manner, allowing students to provide and receive both oral and written constructive feedback and self‑evaluation as they apply the scientific method to environmental problems.
• Instruct students by observing their academic level, conducting activities to support their skill development, and helping them explore and collaborate with others.
• Counsel, support, and guide students as needed.
• Identify and communicate with the Program Director, any emergent need that warrants immediate support, ensuring student safety and well‑being.
• Portals Faculty are expected to eat communally with students.
• Instructors who receive campus housing and are not full‑time Hotchkiss faculty are expected to handle four nights of dorm supervision duty
• Instructors, along with the Program Director, will supervise and mentor a Summer Fellow who will provide instructional program support.
• Instructors will guide students as they prepare a final program culminating experience, one that demonstrates their understanding of concepts and the confidence gained.
• At the end of the program, Instructors provide a written assessment commenting on each student’s progress, describing their growth, attitude, effort, and achievement. Program directors are responsible for ensuring that the instructors in their program complete comments in a timely manner.
• Participate in Summer Portals faculty orientation, which includes online professional boundaries training in Sexual Harassment Prevention, and CT Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Training.

• A four‑year College Degree is required.
• Qualified applicants will have demonstrated successful teaching and have prior experience with teaching rocketry.
• Possess excellent time management and organizational skills needed to oversee the program and other instructor colleagues.
• Possess strong communication skills that effectively promote inclusive and respectful behavior amongst students and respectful exchange amongst colleagues.
• Friendly attitude and…