Science Teacher: 7th and 8th Grade Adventure in the City (AIC)

Position:  Science Teacher: 7/8th Grade Adventure in the City (AIC)

Pay rate: $40-$50 per hour

Liberty LEADS is a NYC-based college access program that has served over 200 underrepresented children between 5th and 12th grade each year since 1989. Liberty LEADS was founded to empower youth by helping them attain higher education, embrace leadership engagement, and create a positive future for themselves and others. Liberty LEADS provides an alternative learning environment in which young people can experience success as learners and increase their ability and motivation to graduate from high school and seek entry into postsecondary education and/or meaningful employment. The program is guided by the principle that all children have gifts, talents, and great potential and can contribute to one another's social and academic growth.

We are looking for energetic and creative educators who enjoy working with youth during the summer and are available for in person programming.

Adventure in the City (AIC) is a summer program for rising 7th and 8th grade students that uses New York City as a classroom to help students build confidence navigating their city while strengthening the academic skills they will need in the upcoming school year. Through hands-on learning in math and humanities, students explore neighborhoods, landmarks, and community spaces while practicing critical thinking, problem solving, reading, and writing.In addition to reinforcing academic skills, AIC supports students as they prepare for the transition to high school by helping them develop independence, curiosity, and a stronger sense of connection to their city and community

The science component of Adventure in the City uses New York City as a living laboratory where students investigate the natural and built environments around them. Through hands-on exploration in parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces, students engage in observation, data collection, and experimentation to better understand how science shapes the city. Lessons reinforce key middle school science skills students will need in the upcoming academic year, including scientific inquiry, environmental science, data analysis, and critical thinking. Students may explore topics such as urban ecosystems, sustainability, energy use, weather patterns, and the impact of human activity on the environment. By connecting scientific concepts to real-world experiences in their city, students strengthen their analytical skills, develop curiosity about the world around them, and build confidence in applying science to everyday life.

Selected applicants will be responsible for developing and implementing a 16-day, project-based curriculum.  For the interview, we ask that applicants present ideas for the purpose and theme of their ideal summer experience. Programming begins June 29th  2026 and meets Mondays through Thursday for four  weeks culminating with a final presentation on July 23th.   All applicants must be available for all 16 days of programming from 9 am to 330 pm. Lunch is provided and spent with the students.

Responsibilities

• Co-create differentiated project-based science and humanities for 7/8th grade that can be implemented in person or virtually.
• Co-teach science and humanities for 7/8th graders. 
• Include outdoor programming in curriculum planning.
• Manage classroom using positive behavior management strategies
• Meet regularly with the Liberty LEADS Middle School Advisor and Program Coordinator for supervision and debriefing
• Accompany students up and down stairs, on field trips (that may include but not limited to walks,
  hikes, parks)  

Qualifications

• Must possess a Bachelor or Master degree in education  with a concentration in Middle School Science
• NYS Teacher Certification or professional proficiency in content area preferred
• Experience working with students with learning differences preferred
• Experience teaching middle school youth using project-based learning
• Co-teaching experience
• Knowledge and understanding of the NYCDOE academic standards (Common Core/New Generation Standards)
• Experience teaching classes using Zoom platform preferred

Requirements

• Attend mandatory curriculum planning session with co teachers and advisors (dates tbd)
• Attend mandatory June 2026 Orientation (will be held on a Saturday TBD)
• Reliable WIFI and computer access from home  

Physical Requirements

• Walking up and down stairs up to and including the nine flights to the gym
• Supervising and participating in outdoor activities such as walking up to 20 city blocks, hiking or other activities as named.