Upward Bounds - Mentor​/Teacher

Position:
Mentor/Teacher

The St. John’s University Upward Bound Program provides fundamental support to participants from Long Island City High School in their preparation for college entrance. The program offers opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre‑college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low‑income families; and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.

The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary institutions.

The program is currently seeking (3) mentors/teachers for our summer program n’s University, which will begin on July 7th and end on August 6th. Hired mentors/teachers will also have the opportunity to work 10‑15 hours per week during the school year.

• Teach summer school classes as per schedule (including class trips).
• Teach yoga and mindfulness classes if you have your 95 or 200‑hour certification.
• Tutor students in areas of need (e.g., ELA, Math, Social Studies).
• Meet with students to discuss academic, college, and career goals.
• Provide advice and guidance on credit accumulation, core requirements, and academic persistence.
• Meet monthly with guidance counselors, college advisors, and other key stakeholders to discuss student progress.
• Assist with career preparation, summer job placement, and student working papers.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and workshops on various socio‑emotional, academic, college, and career‑related topics.
• Maintain accurate student records and reports and provide individual and small group counseling to a caseload of no more than 60 participants.
• Create and maintain students’ academic schedules and graduation plans.
• Offer guidance on extracurricular activities that can enrich students’ educational experience.
• Connect students with resources for academic and socio‑emotional support, such as tutoring or counseling services.
• Communicate with parents or guardians about students’ academic progress.
• Attend professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to student advising.
• Encourage students to pursue higher education or vocational opportunities after graduation.

• Skill in interviewing and advising.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Superior interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Adherence to strict confidentiality and other ethical standards.
• Ability to be clearly student‑focused in philosophy and purpose.
• Proven ability to manage stress well and be flexible in a changing, fast‑paced environment.

• Currently has a master’s or is pursuing a master’s degree in education, school counseling, mental health, or social work.
• At least a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or a related academic field.
• NYC Public School teachers certified in yoga and mindfulness are encouraged to apply.

• At least one year of student‑advising experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education that has achieved comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Two years of experience collaborating with high school students or young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds (low‑income/first‑generation) in an academic or career service counseling capacity preferred. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Prospective candidates must submit a background check.

MUST be available to work Monday – Thursday 12:00 pm‑4:30 pm, with some Saturdays as needed.

Dates of employment:
Academic school year 2026

Pay: $54 per hour

Hours:

20 hours per week

Job location:

St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Jamaica, NY 11439

How To Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization to:

Program Director: Robert Alexander

robert.alexander

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