Careers · Adolescent Program (Grades 6–12)
Love your subject? Teach it here.
Our adolescents plan and manage their own learning. They need adults who know a subject well, explain it clearly and with enthusiasm, and expect good work.
What you'll do
- Teach. Plan and lead one or two sessions a week in your subject.
- Apply. Follow each session with labs, builds, or practical work so students use what they learned.
- Tutor. Work alongside small groups and individual students. Ask guiding questions instead of handing over answers, and explain ideas more than one way.
- Coach. Give honest, specific feedback on students' work. Encourage them to keep going when it gets hard.
- Record. Write down what you taught and what each student has mastered, and share it with the Lead.
Subjects
- In Math and Science, that might mean a problem-solving session followed by a lab where students test the idea.
- In ELA, it might mean a lesson on argument followed by a writing workshop, with feedback from brainstorm to final draft.
You'll do well here if you
- Have real depth in one subject, from study, work, or both.
- Enjoy explaining it, and stay patient with students who are new to it.
- Take students' questions seriously and expect their best work.
- Communicate clearly and are reliable.
You don't need a teaching background. Tutoring, coaching, or teaching experience is helpful. Training is included.
Hours
Part-time and flexible. You set your hours with our Director of Operations at the start of each cycle, based on your sessions and how much lab and tutoring time your subject needs.
Why it's worth your time
- Real teaching and tutoring experience with students who want to learn.
- Paid, part-time work with flexible hours.
- A small school where you work closely with students and staff.
A Mentor's week
How a typical week works
Session
You teach a short lesson to the group.
Lab or practice
Students put it to work with a lab, a build, a draft, or a problem set.
Tutoring
You help students who are stuck and give harder work to students who are ready.
Records
You record what you taught and what students mastered, and tell the Lead who needs extra help.
What you'll do
- Teach your subject area, for example ELA and Social Studies, through inquiry, discussion, and projects.
- Meet with each student every week to review their planner: what they planned, what they finished, and what's next.
- Lead the Mentors. Plan their sessions and labs each cycle, then train, observe, and coach them.
- Design projects that combine subjects and take on real-world problems.
- Keep records of what each student has been taught and has mastered.
- Write reports for families and lead family conferences.
You'll do well here if you
- Know your subject deeply and have taught middle or high school students.
- Expect good work, are kind about it, and admit your own mistakes.
- Are organized and can keep plans and records for the whole program.
- Enjoy coaching adults as well as teaching students.
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in education or in your subject area
- Experience teaching middle or high school
- Experience with inquiry-based, project-based, Montessori-inspired, or personalized learning is a plus
Full-time benefits
Working with adolescents
What adolescents need from adults
Teenagers want independence and real responsibility, and their judgment is still developing. They do best with adults who know a subject well, expect real work, and treat them as capable.
Mentors teach and coach in their subject. The Lead plans the program and checks in with each student every week.
Bring your subject to Austin Micro
The application takes about five minutes. Have your resume ready as a PDF or Word file.
Equal opportunity employer
Austin Micro School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, email admissions@austinmicroschool.org and we'll help.
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