Instructor, Summer Academy for Math and Science

For more than twenty-five years, the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) has supported students in STEM fields in a rigorous curriculum taught by faculty and staff who are deeply committed to their success. You can learn more about the SAMS program here: https://www.cmu.edu/pre-college/academic-programs/sams.html

SAMS instructors will be expected to teach at all scheduled Math sessions; to carry out the necessary course preparation, administrative tasks, assessment, and related responsibilities; and to attend any required meetings, such as orientation and weekly instructor meetings.

Business Title: Instructor- Summer Academy for Math and Science

Department: Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion

Term: Fixed Term Summer II

Hiring Manager and Supervisor: M. Shernell Smith, Associate Dean & Executive Director

Duties include:

1. Administer all aspects of 6 week course including, but not limited to developing and preparing all necessary course materials, including syllabi, lectures, assignments, and examinations, ensuring alignment with the SAMS curriculum goals.
2. Hold weekly office hours for student engagement and academic advising, providing dedicated time for individual student support and mentorship.
3. Attend weekly SAMS faculty meetings.
4. Attend the Summer Instructor orientation and all teaching professional development sessions.
5. Attend the SAMS Academic Symposium, July 31, 2026.
6. Administer pre and post assessments for the course or project including providing written summaries of student progress and engagement
7. Collaborate regularly with other SAMS instructors and staff mentors to ensure an integrated learning experience, particularly in connecting foundational math concepts to the interdisciplinary academic research projects.
8. Submit all final grades (as required) and written student evaluations to the SAMS administrative team promptly at the conclusion of the residential program.

Core Academic Instruction Roles

These roles are responsible for leading the primary 6-week academic courses:

• Math Instructors: Instructors will be needed to cover the following college-level and preparatory topics: Graph & Theory Combinatorics or Functions, Algebra & Number Theory, Calculus/Pre-Calculus Primer, Matrix & Probability and Social Math
• Science Instructors: Instructors specializing in the following foundational subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering

Skills Development and STEM Project Roles

These roles focus on developing critical research, presentation, and writing skills:

• Project Instructor: Responsible for leading the exploration of one or more foundational concepts in STEM. This role guides students through an academic group research project that culminates in a presentation at the closing academic SAMS Symposium on July 31, 2026.
• Presentation Skills Instructor: Covers topics in public speaking, presentation preparation, and presenting.
• Writing Instructor: Covers general composition topics, specifically designed to assist students in the creation of their college admissions essays and to initiate scholarly technical writing concepts. This instructor also facilitates the SAMS virtual Jump Start program prior to the scholars' arrival for the residential program.
• Jump Start Orientation Facilitator: Offers instruction focused on confidence building and team building skills.