Summer Academy Mentor Teacher

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham.

We empower and equip first‑generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we’re creating a Durham where all students succeed.

As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first‑generation college‑bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for children in our community.

The Work

Our Summer Academy staff are excited to facilitate learning and create an environment for students to succeed. At Summer Academy, we are committed to helping our students feel success and growth by providing thoughtful, intentional academic experiences, and sharing our own excitement around academic content.

Mentor Teachers are a crucial support for teachers at Student U’s Summer Academy. Each mentor sets and leads instructional priorities for one content area (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science) and provides instructional coaching and support to a cohort of 8‑9 teachers in their content area. We believe our classrooms should reflect best practices in instruction, encourage academic rigor, develop critical thinking skills, and engage students in becoming change agents in their communities.

Student U provides a base curriculum for all content classes taught at Summer Academy, and mentor teachers work to ensure our summer educators have the tools and support they need to implement these materials effectively with our students. This role is designed for an experienced educator who will enjoy coaching novice teachers, guiding educators to implement Student U’s curriculum, ensuring Student U classrooms are culturally responsive and support the whole child, and contributing as a part of the larger Student U community.

Job Responsibilities

The commitment for this role is March 2026‑August 2026. The schedule, hours, and responsibilities for this position change over the course of these months, as Student U moves from programming planning to program implementation:

Season + Schedule*

March - May 2026

Spring Work

20 Hours/month;
Hybrid

Primarily remote preparation work with six required trainings and events throughout the spring

• Attend Mentor Teacher training & pre‑summer staff gatherings:
• March 17, 2026, 5:00‑6:30 PM :
  Mentor Teacher Training 1
• April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM‑7:30 PM :
  Summer Staff Launch
• April 11, 2026: 9:30 AM‑12:30 PM :
  Pre‑Summer PD Day
• April 28, 2026, 5:00‑6:30 PM :
  Mentor Teacher Training 2
• TBD:
  Mentor Teacher Training #3, in May
• Read and internalize curriculum materials teachers will be implementing
• Prepare pre‑summer edits to curriculum materials (as needed)
• Collaborate with Program staff to plan and prepare teacher orientation as needed

Staff Orientation

Note:

Student U is closed June 19

Monday‑Friday, 8:00‑2:00; in‑person

• Participate in and/or lead appropriate Teacher Orientation sessions
• Prepare Student U teachers to create an effective, positive classroom setting
• Guide cohort of teachers through the process of internalizing, modifying, and preparing to teach content area lesson plans
• Lead new teachers in Lesson Demonstrations and implementation practice

June 29‑August 5, 2026

Note:

Student U is closed July 3

Monday‑Thursday, 7:30‑2:00; in‑person

• Support a cohort of 8‑9 Student U Summer Academy teachers.
• Regularly observe classes and meet individually with teachers to reflect on their practice
• Provide feedback and coaching regarding effective instruction, classroom management, teaching methods, and building positive, inclusive classroom culture
• Conduct an end‑of‑summer meeting/reflection for all teachers in cohort
• Participate in weekly Mentor Teacher meetings
• Identify program‑wide teacher needs and help plan weekly PLC/PD sessions for teachers
• Provide ongoing feedback to Student U Program Team on curriculum and learning environment at Summer Academy
• Collaborate with Student U staff to plan and implement a mid‑summer Professional Learning day for teachers
• Engage positively in the wider Student U community, sharing…