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 and through the summer after their senior year.

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for High School Students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’25. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College Instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude. For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.

Course Description
Quantum mechanics is the science of the “small”; understanding how matter and light behave. An exciting application of modern physics, the field focuses on computing objects such as expectation values, vector evolution, and decoherence times through linear algebraic frameworks. The result of this work includes advancements in cybersecurity, electronics, aviation, communications, and engineering (to name a few).

Through this course, students will explore the basics of theoretical foundations, equations, computations, and principles that impact the way we live today, and our future. Beginning with an exploration of topical ideas from  popular physicists, students will work through probability theory that will lead to sophisticated explanations of the world, as well as computations that will provide an elevated level of awareness for how humans work and play. By the end of the course, students will look at the world differently, and be prepared for more sophisticated study in this area.

Course Schedules
Summer B: July 22nd - August 8th - 9:10am-11am & 1:10pm-3pm EST

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

Responsibilities

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations
• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips 
• 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 

• Summer A & B (On-Campus): $7,000 - $9,000
• A one-time course development fee will be paid to first time instructors. Development fee rates are $1,500 for 3-week courses and $750 for all other courses.

Other Requirements

• 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. Employment eligibility is contingent upon valid work authorization. Individuals on STEM OPT or holders of the following visa types are ineligible to teach Pre-College: B-1, E-3, H-1B, J-1, and O-1.
• 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

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.