Upward Bound Summer Instructor

General Summary

Upward Bound summer instructors are responsible for planning and implementing dynamic, engaging, empowering project-based courses as part of our 6-week residential summer program. The coursework and classroom environment should encourage and reward reflection, revision, and improvement.

Instructors design their own curriculum that matches and supports Upward Bound’s teaching and learning goals. Courses should incorporate culturally responsive pedagogy, project-based learning, student-centered learning, service learning/community action projects, and multicultural perspectives. Each course should focus on one overarching project that guides the content and skills you want students to learn and apply. Students may work in groups or individually on the class project and present the project at Family Day on the last day of the summer program.

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Must be able to participate in staff orientation
• Determine appropriate and feasible final project for summer project showcase
• Work collaboratively with the other instructors to ensure that courses are integrated
• Participate in weekly teacher meetings
• Complete midterm evaluations of student progress
• Complete final evaluations of students
• Communicate student progress to summer staff, administrative staff, and students’ families
• Weekly 1-1 check-ins with students who are not performing to capacity
• Attend and participate in Family Day, the summer-end celebration in the evening of August 4th

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Master’s degree preferred
• Teaching experience, preferably with urban youth
• Demonstrated experience with a multi-racial, multi-ethnic population
• Demonstrated teaching philosophy and methods that encourage the development of active and independent learning habits
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement curricula collaboratively

The University of Massachusetts Boston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other protected class. The University of Massachusetts Boston complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the university operates.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Please email upward.bound with any questions.

• Resume
• Contact information for 3 references who can speak to your experience and abilities.
• A 1-2 page narrative containing the following information:
  • Your teaching philosophy.
  • Description of how you will integrate project-based learning into your course.
  • Your teaching strengths and areas in which you would need support.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until all positions are filled.

Orientation (mandatory):
June 23-25, 2026 (dates may be subject to change)

Program Dates (Sunday evenings – Friday afternoons):
June 28 – August 7, 2026

Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Varies based on course schedule. Courses are 1 hour in length and meet between 9am and 2:30pm, Monday through Thursday and between 9am and 1:40pm on Fridays.

About 15 hours per week, including prep per course section.

$2,250 per course section

The goal of the Upward Bound Program is to provide participants with the skills and motivation necessary for access to and success in post-secondary education. Upward Bound strives to help students develop confidence and a love of learning. Upward Bound offers an array of academic, personal enrichment, and college/career services designed to supplement high school education and tailored to address specific student needs, including a summer program.

The summer program exposes students to life on a college campus, allows for intensive, rigorous academic work, and creates space for students to learn valuable…