Math or STEAM Instructor First Star Summer Academy

Position: Math or STEAM Instructor for First Star Summer Academy
Job Summary

The First Star ISU Academy is a college-preparatory program for high school foster youth (Scholars). The Academy strives to keep youth on track for high school graduation, prepare them for higher education, and equip them with the skills to successfully transition to adulthood. The Scholars spend all four summers of high school living on the university campus (Summer Immersion Program), and they return one Saturday per month during the school year (Saturday Academies).

While on campus, the Scholars attend academic classes, participate in life skills workshops, and explore life on a university campus.

Additional Information

Summer Immersion Program instructors play a critical role in the success of the Scholars.

Instructors are responsible for developing the curriculum, teaching the courses, and providing feedback on each Scholar's progress. The course should be aligned with the state curriculum standards and encourage successful learning practices. All instructors are expected to work part-time while the Scholars are on campus the month of June and teach 90-minute courses (remedial and grade level based on the Scholar's academic skills) Monday through Friday (June 1, 2026-June 12, 2026).

Classes are scheduled 9:00am to 10:30am or 10:45am to 12:15pm. Compensation is $1000.

Summer Immersion Program instructors are expected to attend a mandatory training TBD, a Scholar/Caregiver summer orientation on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and First Star Academy awards ceremony on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$1000

Required Qualifications

1. Holds a bachelor's degree and is certified by the State to teach in the content area for which they are hired

2. Previous experience in education, a local school system classroom setting or other work experience with youth in a classroom setting, preferred

3. Ability to work as a team member with Academy Administration staff, College Coaches within the classroom, and other campus staff

4. Responsible, friendly, enthusiastic, patient and willing to learn

5. Strong classroom management, organization, and communication skills

6. Preference given to instructors who have experience with foster care or at-risk youth

7. Ability to pass a Level 2 background check

Preferred Qualifications

1. Previous experience in education, a local school system classroom setting or other work experience with youth in a classroom setting.

2. Preference given to instructors who have experienced with foster care or at-risk youth

Work Hours

TBD

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Ability to effectively communicate on a daily basis.

2. Ability to use a computer in day-to-day work (i.e. type on a keyboard and use a mouse).

3. Ability to conduct or attend meetings in various locations on and off campus.

4. Ability to maintain a high level of concentration.

Proposed Starting Date

May 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Reference List

Please Note:

These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Initial application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All application materials must be submitted online. Application materials submitted via fax, email, or mail will not be accepted.

Please prepare in advance separate documents representing a cover letter, reference list (specifically, the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references), and resume/C.V. to attach to this application.

University Benefit Highlights:

* Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life

* Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options

* Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents

* Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks

* Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Contact Information for Applicants

Ms. Tameka Thompson, Academy Director

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Dr. Deneca Avant, Executive Director

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First Star ISU Academy

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,…