Instructor - Writers & Writing Program - Summer Portals 2025 Job at The Hotchkis

Portals Instructor - Writers & Writing Position Description

Department: Summer Portals
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Dean of Summer Programs, and Writers & Writing Program Director

Dates: Session II - Two Weeks

July 13 - July 27, 2025

Class Schedule: 9:00 a.m.-Noon; 1:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.);

Sat. 9:00 a.m.-Noon

Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School includes a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings to rising 6th through 9th grade students, many of whom are experiencing a residential learning experience for the first time. Students come to Summer Portals from diverse nationalities and cultures, seeking academic enrichment and exploration.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Writers & Writing Program Instructor will support a two-week curriculum that focuses on both academic writing as well as creative writing, in the context of students being independent authors. Curriculum elements will foster individual growth, through the close reading of non-fiction, short fiction, and poetry, as well as encompass daily free writing opportunity that supports inspirational choice, with discussions and revision work. The Program Instructor should have experience with teaching creative non-fiction and short critical prose. Program goals encompass preparation for writing and discussion-based exploration of literature that comprises much of humanities curriculum at independent schools. The Program Instructor will guide students as they prepare a final program culminating experience, one which demonstrates their mastery and confidence gained.

The Hotchkiss School is eager to employ individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In advance of Program dates, meet with the Program Director to review curriculum and syllabus, as well as review both project-based and individually guided writing activities and content;
• Organize resourced program educational materials, providing support as requested before the program commences,
• Support and contribute to the curriculum and class lesson planning during the program,
• Instruct students to observe their academic level, conducting activities to support their skill development; helping them explore and take creative risks.
• Counsel, support, and guide students as needed.
• Identify and communicate with the Dean of Summer Programs, any emergent need that warrants immediate support, ensuring student safety and well-being.
• Portals Faculty are expected to eat communally with students.
• Participate in Summer Portals faculty orientation, which includes online professional boundaries training in Sexual Harassment Prevention, and CT Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Trainings.
• At the end of the program, provide a written assessment commenting on each student's progress through the program, describing their growth, attitude, effort as well as achievement.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A four-year College Degree is required.
• Qualified applicants will have demonstrated successful teaching and/or experience in writing, and the critical assessment of student writing.
• Possess excellent time management and organizational skills needed to work collaboratively with program colleagues.
• Possess strong communication skills that effectively promote inclusive and respectful behavior amongst students and respectful exchange amongst colleagues.
• Friendly attitude and approachable demeanor that exhibits compassion, empathy, and patience for students.

PHYSICAL WORK CONDITIONS

• Faculty are expected to perform work on campus in the presence of students,
• Must be able to maintain a stationary position and/or traverse while performing essential responsibilities,
• Must be able to communicate and converse as well as distinguish and observe,
• The Hotchkiss School is a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.
• Room and Board provided if needed.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

For further information, contact:

Richard Hazelton

Dean of Summer Programs

Director, Center for Global Understanding & Independent Thinking

RHazelton@hotchkiss.org

Apply for the position online at:

http://www.hotchkiss.org/our-school/careers-at-hotchkiss

Applicants will be expected to submit:

1. A current resume.
2. Contact information of two professional references, professors or supervisors of education-related work experience.
3. Unofficial transcript(s).