Pre-College Instructor, Environmental Studies Designing a Sustainable Future (On-Campus), Summer 2026

Columbia Universitys 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 programincluding course sessions and timesplease see here.

Course Description
From climate change to resource management todays environmental challenges call for creative interdisciplinary solutions. This course invites students to explore what it means to build a sustainable future that balances human needs with the health of our planet.

Using a systems-thinking approach students investigate the interconnectedness of ecosystems food systems energy systems and the built environment. Through interactive lectures hands-on lab activities and design-based projects students will examine topics such as ecological restoration regenerative agriculture energy-efficient design and sustainable transportation. Field experiences bring these ideas to life through visits to locations such as the Hudson River the Billion Oyster Project vertical farms and examples of green architecture. Students conduct water and air quality testing experiment with renewable energy through projects like solar cars and water wheels and collaborate on case studies that analyze real-world strategies for sustainability.

By the end of the course students gain practical insight into how science engineering and social systems can work together to design a more resilient and sustainable world.

Course Schedule(s)
Session A: June 29 - July 17 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm
Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm

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

Qualifications :

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information :

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Session A & B (Campus 3 Week): $7000 - $9000

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching 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.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Part-time