Summer Academy Middle School 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.

We are hiring Middle School Teachers to provide academic enrichment and structured new experiences for middle school students at our five‑week Summer Academy. 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. Summer teachers can continue supporting students by committing to weekly support at Student U’s daily after‑school program during the school year.

Student U middle school teachers work full‑time in the summer, creating lesson plans, teaching their own classes, and working collaboratively with other teachers to engage and inspire students. Student U teachers teach a core academic class, co‑lead a small reading group, lead a club, and build community within their team of 20 students and 4 teachers. Student U teachers are expected to be fully present at the Summer Academy which operates Monday – Friday approximately 7.5 hours daily, +1.5 hour weekly staff meeting outside of normal work hours.

Pending a strong job performance during the summer, Student U middle school teachers can play a role in supporting students at Student U’s daily after‑school program during the school year. There are several opportunities for the Student U school year, ranging from 3‑20 hours/week, depending on schedule, experience, and desired commitment. Summer teachers can be Advocates leading our after‑school program (20 hours/week), Academic Coaches for a small group of students (6 hours/week), tutors at our after‑school program (at least 3 hours/week), administrative support during non‑after‑school hours (at least 3 hours/week), or lead a club for a small group of students (1 hour/week).

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Student U Middle School Staff Member!

Core Subjects (ELA, Global Connect, Math, and Science):
All core subject classes implement a curriculum designed specifically for Student U’s Summer Academy by a team of experienced educators within the Durham Community. Core subject teachers will be responsible for creating the teaching tools that will accompany each lesson (power points and handouts for each day), teaching the curriculum developed for their course, and evaluating student growth using the pre and post assessments created for each course.

Attached is an overview of the curriculum implemented in each content area at Summer Academy.

In addition to teaching a core subject, each teacher will be asked to teach an afternoon elective.

Electives – Each teacher will teach a self‑developed 2 week elective course for our rising 6th‑8th grade students. Teachers will be responsible for developing their elective lesson plans in the spring, creating the teaching tools/resources that will accompany each lesson, teaching, and evaluating the students.

• Attend all pre‑summer training events
• Attend a 2 week Teacher Orientation & Family Day held on a Saturday
• Teach one core academic class implementing Student U’s Core Curriculum for students in your assigned grade
• Create and uphold Student U culture with a “Family” of 20 students and 4 teachers
• Bring energy and enthusiasm to your classroom and family activities each day
• Collaborate regularly as a team of teachers to support your students
• Uphold Student U’s mission, vision, and values in all interactions with staff and students
• Co‑lead a small reading group with another Student U teacher
• Lead…