Environmental Science Teacher - 9th/10th Grade Summer Institute

Position: Environmental Science Teacher - 9th/10th Grade Summer Institute

Pay rate: $35-$50 per hour

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.

Liberty LEADS is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Environmental Science Teacher to lead a dynamic high school course for 9th and 10th graders focused on climate change and renewable energy while exposing students to different careers that exist within the field. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental science and a commitment to fostering environmental and climate literacy among students. This role requires a creative and innovative approach to teaching, utilizing hands-on projects, interdisciplinary learning, and up-to-date scientific research. Working with Solar One's Green Design Lab, the teacher would split up the 16 days between field trips to the Solar One's lab and follow up lessons at Bank Street that would work in conjunction with the experiments and field trips led by Solar One instructors.

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. 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.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Instruction:

• Design and implement engaging lesson plans that focus on climate change, renewable energy, and broader environmental issues. Instructors are urged to use and adapt existing curricula such as Green Design Lab by Solar One.
• Foster critical thinking and scientific inquiry by integrating real-world case studies that connect with the students, current events, and local environmental issues.
• Guide students through lab activities that can be done in the classroom, field studies, and experiments related to sustainability, energy sources, and environmental impacts.

Student Engagement and Assessment:

• Create a classroom environment that encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and active participation in discussions on environmental topics.
• Assess student learning through a variety of methods including projects, presentations, and group activities.
• Provide meaningful feedback to students to support their academic growth and understanding of environmental science principles

Hands-On Learning and Projects:

• Develop and lead project-based learning experiences, such as energy audits, climate action projects, and experiments related to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.).
• If possible collaborate with community organizations, local environmental agencies, or green energy companies for experiential learning opportunities.

Environmental Advocacy and Leadership:

• Inspire and empower students to become environmental stewards and leaders in sustainability efforts within their school and community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Earth Science, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Teaching certification or license in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on science subjects.
• Experience teaching or working in the fields of climate science, energy, or environmental sustainability
• Experience working with students with learning differences preferred.
• Strong understanding of current climate science, renewable energy technologies, and environmental policy.
• Excellent communication, organization, and classroom management skills.

Requirements

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

Physical Requirements

• Walking up and down stairs up to and including the nine flights to the gym
• Supervising and participating in outdoor activities such as walking up to 20 city blocks, hiking or other activities as named.

Please forward cover letter and resume to: Ana Lisa Tiburcio, Director ( ) and Marisol Saks, Assistant Director ()