Instructor of Mentorship and Research

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Instructor

WORKING TITLE: Instructor of Mentorship and Research

DEPARTMENT: Mentorship and Research

POSITION LOCATION: Morganton, NC

POSITION NUMBER: 65002422

POSTING DATE: October 24, 2023

CLOSING DATE: November 15, 2023

POSITION TYPE: Temporary FT, FLSA Exempt

HIRING SALARY RANGE: Commensurate with education and experience

NCSSM and the Academic Programs Department foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research. NCSSM is proud of the diversity of its student body and we seek to attract an equally diverse applicant pool for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.

Description of Duties:
Position reports to the Director of Mentorship and Research in Academic Programs and is responsible for serving as instructor in the Mentorship Program. The Mentorship Program at NC School of Science and Mathematics is in its 40th year and is recognized for its unique mix of over 100 volunteer mentors that provide research opportunities for students while NCSSM instructors provide the instruction necessary for high school students to approach research with confidence, professionalism, and self-reliance. The local research scholars and professionals serve as students’ research mentors in various areas of specialization (including STEM, Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities), while the NCSSM instructor serves as a facilitator/coach focused on guiding and assessing students’ development of critical thinking as a proactive participant in research and development of personal success skills to accomplish goals, collaborate, and navigate unfamiliar situations in professional environments. Examples of student assignments include: resumes/cover letters, research proposals, oral presentation targeted to a broad audience.

The temporary full-time position is responsible for providing instruction of online and residential students in the Mentorship Program courses (Foundations in Research, Senior Research, Engage to Impact) and the Summer Mentorship program; leading co-instructors/teaching assistants for Mentorship; serving as a primary contact and support for online student engagement in research and innovation; supporting the mission of the Mentorship and Research office to build community that advances equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and innovation; cultivate growth and development of thinkers/makers/doers to identify as leaders and engaged citizens; and facilitate safety and efficient systems to ensure long term success for our community and beyond.

General duties include: serve as an instructor working with students in face-to-face and online environments to facilitate and assess development of professional and personal success skills as well as communication skills of high school 11th and 12th grade students who are participating in research with off-campus mentors including 2-3 hours in the evening per week; develop and communicate to students clear course objectives and goals with emphasis on development of research and professional/personal skills in a wide range of fields including STEM and social sciences/arts/humanities; deliver an instructional program that is inclusive of all students and effectively prepares students to take ownership of their experience; attend and run instructor meetings, lead co-instructors and teaching assistants; lead webinars that support research and innovation programs at NCSSM (evening events); hold office hour sessions as outlined by the course/program; regularly monitor and evaluate students’ progress, provide students with resources and feedback on their performance; attend and prepare students to communicate effectively for competitions/conferences; participate in 5-7 one day weekend events per year; structure and manage an environment conducive to learning; model for students responsibility to self and others; effectively collaborate with others; follow the School’s philosophy, policies, and procedures; attend team, faculty, and staff meetings; participate in professional development and personal intellectual growth activities.

Participate in one or more of the following activities: provide information, service, and expertise to other schools and organizations (professional outreach); assist students on special projects, independent or individual study, and seminar-based studies; provide assistance for school sponsored programs and extracurricular activities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Teaching and/or research experience; strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills; experience in use of educational technology; experience engaging students in the virtual classroom, and willingness to participate in residential school programs including social, recreational, and advisory responsibilities at times other than usual school hours.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience engaging students in a virtual classroom; teaching experience with advanced secondary students; research and mentoring experience; interest in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion; ability to work with students in a facilitating/coaching role; expertise in personal and professional skill development; and enthusiasm to provide instruction and office hours for synchronous and online distance learning courses for a minimum of 4 hours/ 2 days a week in the evening per week along with 2 hours/1 day of instructional time during the day.

Minimum Education and Experience:
Master’s degree. 2 years research experience in STEM, Social Sciences, Arts, or Humanities.