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 following  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 ’26. 

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
This course delves into the fundamentals of Quantum Computing, bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and its groundbreaking applications in computing. It focuses on developing students’ knowledge and skills in modern quantum technologies with numerous real-world applications. The course will include lectures emphasizing conceptual understanding and problem-solving, as well as essays and group projects to foster collaborative learning.

Topics include:

• Quantum Mechanics Foundations: Understanding quantum states, superposition, entanglement, and the evolution of quantum systems.
• Quantum Bits (Qubits): Exploration of qubits as the basic units of quantum information and their state manipulation.
• Quantum Algorithms: Introduction to key algorithms like Shor's algorithm for factoring and Grover's search algorithm.
• Quantum Computing Models: Study of quantum circuits, quantum gates, and error correction.
• Quantum Technologies: Insight into current quantum computing hardware and future prospects.

This course is designed for motivated high school students who want to expand their knowledge of modern physics and be at the forefront of technological innovation.

Prerequisite: Algebra 1. The knowledge of other physics fields (e.g., optics, electricity, and magnetism) is beneficial, but not essential.

Course Schedule
Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm

Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). 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 (typical class size is 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 Range
Session B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000

• Please note your availability to teach the Session B schedule (as well as any information regarding your suitability for the role) in the Message to Hiring Manager field.  

• 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

• Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.

• 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 Employer / Disability / Veteran