Columbia University's Pre-College Programs offer high-achieving high school students the opportunity to engage in exploratory coursework at the college level, studying alongside peers from around the world. This highly selective program is open to students entering grades 9-12 and freshman year of college.

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for High School Students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach online courses during Summer ’24. 

Please Note: Course(s) and course availability is subject to change. Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change. 

Sessions:

• Summer A: July 1st - July 12th (Classes do not meet on July 4th)
• Summer B: July 15th - July 26th
• Summer C: August 5th - August 9th

Class Times (all times Eastern): 

• 8am-11am (Summer A/B) OR
• 12pm-3pm (Summer A/B) OR 
• 5pm-8pm (Summer A/B) OR
• 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm (Summer C)

Course description:

In this course intended for students who enjoy mathematics and logical reasoning, participants explore innovative ways in which math is used in the real world, in fields such as economics, computer science, media, and the physical sciences. By engaging with challenging practical problems, students hone their independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

Areas covered include the following:

• Graph theory, a topic heavily developed by both mathematicians and computer scientists. We explore algorithmic ways to compute, for example, the optimal path between two points on a map (minimizing cost, time, or another parameter). Another application is minimizing the cost of an electrical network which has to provide power to all residents in a new neighborhood.
• Probability and its numerous applications. We look at how probabilities are applied in economics and in popular media, and examine how they can sometimes be counter-intuitive or even deceptive.
• Various counting methods, combinatorics, and examples of Nash equilibria. We study applications of these techniques in economics (the prisoner's dilemma), computer science (assessing the complexity of an algorithm), finance (loans and investments), and biology (population growth).

Students work individually and in groups to find creative solutions to given problems. Each student also works on a project of his or her own choosing, on a topic about which he or she is passionate.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work
• Lead and attend all class sessions
• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population
• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends
• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (you will have around 20-24 students)
• Attend and complete all required online trainings

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Summer A online: $3,300 - $4,200
• Summer B online: $3,300 - $4,200
• Summer C online: $2,200 - $2,800

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching.  

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)
• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching
• Applicants may not hold a concurrent appointment with Columbia for the duration of their appointment
• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

For more information on the program, hiring process, and class schedules, please see here.  

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.