Computer Science Instructor

Who We Are:

Heights Philadelphia is a new kind of organization, an Economic Mobility Catalyst. Heights is committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Philadelphia by creating pathways to educational and workforce success for low-income, Black and Brown, and first-generation-to-college students. These pathways are the foundation of a more equitable and prosperous future for the city.

Heights serves more than 3,000 students from middle school to career with staff embedded in 23 schools across the School District of Philadelphia and partnerships with 13 colleges and universities. Through college and career advising, industry-aligned programming, transformative partnerships, and a community of support, Heights transforms opportunities for success.

About this Role:

Our Computer Science instructors are the core of our BLI Computer Science Academy, held on-campus at Penn, teaching and serving as near-peer role models for our high school students. This program is a key part of the Heights partnership with Penn Engineering. Our Blended Learning Initiative (BLI) Computer Science program aims to fundamentally broaden access and forge pathways into computer science, technology, and engineering among Philadelphia students from underinvested communities.

Classes will include Intro and Intermediate Java for high school students. The curriculum is part of our AP Computer Science A curriculum, as this program is part of preparing students for AP CS A, and ultimately success in tech majors and careers. Some class sections will also include math and/or physics lessons, as we recognize the importance of building students’ skills and confidence in these subjects as well to pursue CS or Engineering majors.

Heights will hold instructor orientation and training on 1-2 days between June 9 – 17.

You’ll be responsible for:

Co-teaching a class of approximately 20 students using our curriculum materials for 4 hours per day
Helping students write and troubleshoot code and work on coding projects
Helping students to see connections and applications of concepts with their interests and goals
Serving as a mentor to students, building rapport with them, and sharing your experience and enthusiasm for computer science and/or related fields
Participating in periodic panel discussions on topics related to getting students excited about pursuing a CS, Engineering, or Tech major and career, learning what college is like, and similar topics
Attending instructor team meetings, 1 afternoon per week between 3:05-4:05pm
Monitoring student progress, attendance, and behavior, conducting student outreach (via
text/email) and enforcing program rules as needed

Administering pre and post diagnostic assessments and surveys
Providing feedback to refine and improve student learning and experience in our program
Teaching and integrating math and/or physics modules within your class (IF teaching a class section with math and/or physics)

About you:

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, STEM Education, or a related field
Familiarity with computer programming, Java preferred
Familiarity with teaching math and physics concepts (IF teaching a class section with math and/or physics)
Prior experience working with adolescents, preferably in an instructional setting and in an urban educational setting

Interest in advancing equity and access to Computer Science among students from underinvested communities

Enthusiastic and engaging
Willing to take initiative
Patient, flexible, adaptable
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
Personal and/or professional background related to understanding the experience of our Black, Latino, and first-generation scholars

Heights employees:

Must meet expectations to report in-person on a schedule determined by their direct manager and/or the Vice President of the team.
Must meet PA State background check requirements [PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Fingerprint Check] at hire and every five years thereafter.
Strong orientation to customer service, particularly with regard to students, partners and colleagues
Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and related applications, as well as use of general office equipment (phones, computers, copiers, etc)
Fluency in the use of data and data systems. Maintains appropriate engagement with data entry, reporting and review.
Must adhere to COVID safety guidelines as established by Heights and/or its partners.
Office-based staff should be mindful of the organization’s strong recommendation that staff maintain up to date with COVID vaccination and boosters.
Site-based staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must submit to any COVID testing or other health screenings as required by the Department of Human Services and/or the School District of Philadelphia.
Must be able to work in a busy, often complex work environment that is generally climate controlled.
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds unassisted on an occasional basis.
Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Access to reliable transportation required