About the Learning Strategies Center and Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP):
The Learning Strategies Center (LSC) is the central academic support unit for all undergraduates at Cornell University, offering programs that encourage students to develop effective approaches to mastering the academic rigors of Cornell. The LSC coordinates Cornell’s six-week summer bridge program, the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP). PSSP is an important first step in students’ journeys at Cornell, preparing them for what they will experience in their first semester. Participating in the program enables students to connect with other students and staff; establish a support network that lasts throughout their time at Cornell; develop skills for academic success; and become familiar with the of resources and services available at Cornell.

Position Description

The Learning Strategies Center (lsc.cornell.edu) seeks an experienced chemistry instructor to teach the chemistry portion of our summer Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program course AS1015: Quantitative Preparation for the Physical and Life Sciences. The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars program runs from the middle of June to the first week in August, with classes starting June 20 and ending on August 2. This position requires a person to be on-campus for teaching, office hours, and meetings.

The goal of AS1015: QPPALS is to prepare students for their future STEM courses at Cornell University, including general chemistry. Students in the course develop specific skills and knowledge to be successful in their science courses, including quantitative and numeracy skills, and automaticity in key arithmetic operations and science specific content, with a special emphasis on first-year chemistry. In addition, students learn, evaluate, and apply a variety of problem-solving approaches, develop a sense of belonging among a community of scholars, and incorporate learning practices that enhance a growth mindset.

What you will do:

• Make an enormous difference in students’ lives.
• Contribute your talents and efforts to a dynamic and hard-working team committed to student success.
• Collaborate closely with a math colleague to co-teach AS1015, specifically you will teach the chemistry portion of the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP) AS1015: Quantitative Preparation for the Physical and Life Sciences, including administering pre- and post-tests, developing activities, grading, etc. AS1015 is offered M-F 8:30am-11am.
• Offer 4-6 office hours per week for students enrolled in AS1015.
• Participate in course assistant training. Course assistants are undergraduate students who support AS1015.
• Mentor and carry out day-to-day operations of the course assistants, including study groups and office hours.
• Participate in bi-weekly PSSP instructor meetings.
• Communicate regularly with college advising teams about students’ progress in the course.

What you need:

We are looking for a dynamic educator with a demonstrated ability to connect with and mentor students who has:

• An advanced degree in chemistry or related field, or in teaching chemistry (at least MA or MS is required, and a PhD is preferred),
• Substantive knowledge of chemistry, specifically general chemistry concepts,
• Experience teaching college level chemistry using a variety of methods,
• Demonstrated commitment to enthusiastically supporting the academic achievement of diverse students, and
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and have a team-oriented approach to student learning.

This position is not eligible for university benefits. The position is in Ithaca, New York with the job being performed on campus. Classes begin June 20, 2023 and end on August 2, 2023. The appointment period is June 16 – August 15, 2023. To prepare for the summer, there are required pre-program orientation and training meetings in June prior to classes starting. Pay is commensurate with experience ($8,175-$10,017 for the summer). Applications review will begin immediately with a deadline to apply of April 15, 2023.

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV, teaching statement, and a general letter of interest. Applicants may be asked to share a diversity statement and past teaching evaluations. Finalists will need to provide names and contact information of three people, including their most recent supervisor, able to provide information on their teaching and their ability to work with diverse students.