Social Justice Writing Teacher, 9th/10th Grade - Summer Institute

Position:  Social Justice Writing Teacher - 9th/10th  Grade Summer Institute  

Liberty LEADS is a NYC-based college access program that has served over 200 underrepresented children between 5th and 12th grade each year since 1989. Liberty LEADS was founded to empower youth by helping them attain higher education, embrace leadership engagement, and create a positive future for themselves and others. Liberty LEADS provides an alternative learning environment in which young people can experience success as learners and increase their ability and motivation to graduate from high school and seek entry into postsecondary education and/or meaningful employment. The program is guided by the principle that all children have gifts, talents, and great potential and can contribute to one another's social and academic growth.  

The Summer Institute (SI) is a summer program for the current 9th/10th  (rising 10th/11th). SI explores the themes of Environmental Science in an urban landscape. The teachers will use a project-based experiential learning model, utilizing the outdoors to facilitate learning. This model uses co-teaching - 2 teachers total with one in each discipline- Science and Writing. The Science teacher will deliver engaging, fun and exciting curricula that will focus on the writing skills necessary for a successful 2026-27 academic year. The SI program will include planning and implementing outdoor programming including hiking, walking and other physical activities to connect the classroom with nature.  

We are looking for energetic and creative educators who enjoy working with youth during the summer and are available for in person programming.

Selected applicants will be responsible for developing and implementing a 16-day, project-based curriculum.  For the interview, we ask that applicants present ideas for the purpose and theme of their ideal summer experience. Programming begins June 29th  2026 and meets Mondays through Thursday for four  weeks culminating with a final presentation on July 23 th 2026   All applicants must be available for all 16 days of programming from 9 am to 330 pm. Lunch is provided and spent with the students.

Responsibilities

• Co-create differentiated project-based environmental science and writing curriculum for 9th10th grade that can be implemented in person or virtually.
• Co-teach environmental science and writing curriculum for current 9th /10th graders.
• Include outdoor programming in curriculum planning.
• Manage classroom using positive behavior management strategies
• Meet regularly with the Liberty LEADS High School Advisor or Program Coordinator for supervision and debriefing
• Accompany students up and down stairs, on field trips (that may include but not limited to walks, hikes, parks) 

Qualifications

• Must possess a Bachelor or Master degree in education, preferably with a concentration in Science or English/Writing
• NYS Teacher Certification or professional proficiency in content area preferred
• Experience teaching high school youth using project-based learning
• Experience working with students with learning differences preferred
• Co-teaching experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the NYCDOE academic standards (Common Core/New Generation Standards)
• Experience teaching classes using Zoom platform preferred

Requirements

• Attend mandatory curriculum planning session with co teachers and advisors (dates tbd)
• Attend mandatory Saturday June 2026 Orientation  (dates TBD)
• Reliable WIFI and computer access

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