College & Career Readiness Instructor (Part-Time, Contract), Thunder Fellows

About the Program

Thunder Fellows is a transformative youth development program based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, designed to unlock new opportunities in sports, entertainment, and technology for Black high school and college students. Powered by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the program equips students with essential skills in data science, leadership, and career readiness through hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional exposure. Rooted in the legacy of Black Wall Street, Thunder Fellows is committed to bridging the gap between potential and access, preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in competitive industries.

Position Overview

Thunder Fellows is seeking an experienced and dedicated instructor – with a passion for workforce development and advancing opportunities for youth across Oklahoma – to lead College & Career Readiness instruction. This role supports curriculum delivery and student development, ensuring participants build technical skills, confidence, and real-world readiness through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.

Key Focus Areas

• Facilitate college planning workshops on essay writing, course selection, admissions prep, and scholarship applications.
• Guide students through capstone project development and presentations that showcase their academic and personal growth.
• Coach students in self-advocacy, goal setting, and time management to build academic confidence and self-determination.
• Teach practical skills such as budgeting, professional communication, and workplace etiquette.
• Prepare students for internships and job opportunities through resume development, mock interviews, and career exploration.

Instructional Schedule & Format

• The instructor will engage approximately 40-45 Fellows per semester across two primary age groups:
  • High School (Juniors and Seniors)
    • Up to two back-to-back, 1-hour in-person classes primarily on weekday evenings (Monday-Thursday, 5:30-7:30 PM).
  • College Undergraduates
    • Up to two virtual classes per month (60-90 minutes) typically on Fridays between 2:00 and 8:00 PM.
    • One in-person session per month; occasional Saturdays as needed.
• Estimated Time Commitment
  • Approximately 12-20 hours per week, including prep and instruction. 

In This Role, You Will:

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate instruction through interactive lessons, group activities, and project-based assignments to both high school and college students.
• Build trusting relationships with students by fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, serving as both an educator and mentor.
• Prepare and adapt curriculum to meet diverse learning needs and experience levels across high school and college students.
• Monitor and track student attendance, engagement, and performance, providing timely feedback and individualized support to maximize learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with program staff to support guest speakers, enrichment experiences, and capstone preparation.
• Guide students through final projects, internships, and postsecondary planning, with an emphasis on professional skill development.
• Incorporate culturally responsive teaching and mentoring practices to promote growth mindset, academic confidence, and leadership.
• Contribute to curriculum refinement, participate in meetings, and support ongoing program design efforts as requested.
• Utilize appropriate resources, including textbooks, online tools and software, to enhance technical instruction and learning experiences.
• Teach the equivalent of thr