Organization History
Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. (HHYEP), founded in 2004, is a statewide college access organization that provides college-planning services to school districts, high school students in grades 9 through 12, and their families throughout the State of Connecticut. Our mission is to change the lives of under-represented college-bound students and to Empower, Encourage, and Equip them to obtain a post-secondary education. Our organization’s goal is to provide more equitable access to college preparatory resources and services to students and families who have historically been underserved and, as a result, remain underrepresented in the pool of academically high-achieving students.
Position Overview
Job Title: SAT Test Prep Instructor
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Type: Part-time Independent Contractor (1099); evening, weekend, and/or after-school hours
Compensation: $500 per SAT Test Prep course (by subject)
Start Date: Rolling — aligned to upcoming course cycles
Location: New Haven, Connecticut — in-person
Position Summary
HHYEP is seeking an energetic, culturally responsive SAT Test Prep Instructor to prepare students for success on the SAT enrolled in our College Access Program. Our program serves large, diverse student populations — the great majority of whom are Black and Latino students from low-income households — where standardized test proficiency often trails state averages and a significant share of students are the first in their families to consider college. This role is well suited to a recent college graduate, early-career educator, or test-prep specialist who thrives in a fast-paced school environment and wants to make a measurable, near-term impact on students’ college options.
The Instructor must be able to teach SAT content and strategy with rigor while building real relationships with students who may arrive with test anxiety, inconsistent prior instruction, or little exposure to standardized testing. Success in this role depends on pairing strong subject-matter expertise with patience, high expectations, and the ability to keep a classroom engaged in a building where schedules and circumstances can shift quickly.
Primary ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Student Learning
- Deliver engaging SAT preparation classes focused on Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.
- Teach proven SAT strategies, content knowledge, pacing techniques, and test-taking skills.
- Administer and review diagnostic assessments, practice exams, and progress-monitoring tools.
- Analyze student performance data and adjust instruction to close learning gaps.
- Facilitate both large-group instruction and small-group intervention sessions.
Student Support & Engagement
- Build genuine relationships with students and families to encourage persistence and follow-through.
- Support students in setting realistic score goals and individualized action plans.
- Communicate regularly with students regarding assignments, practice schedules, and attendance expectations.
- Collaborate with HHYEP staff to ensure student success.
Program Administration
- Maintain accurate attendance and student progress records.
- Submit required reports and instructional documentation on time.
- Attend planning meetings, required training sessions, and staff meetings.
- Assist with administering official practice SAT exams and support program evaluation through data collection.
Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesCommunity & Cultural Competency
- Genuine excitement about education work in urban communities.
- Comfort and credibility working with students from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including students who are the first in their family to pursue higher education.
- Understanding of — or eagerness to learn about — the barriers facing low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented students, and a real commitment to closing those gaps.
- Ability to foster a sense of belonging, respect, and high expectations in the classroom.
Instructional & Professional Skills
- Strong understanding of current SAT content areas and scoring methodology.
- Exceptional classroom facilitation skills and the ability to differentiate instruction for students with varying academic backgrounds.
- Experience using data to drive instructional decisions.
- Demonstrated patience, warmth, and a consistently positive attitude in a fast-paced school setting.
- Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and time-management skills.
- High level of professionalism, reliability, and accountability.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; recent graduates with strong standardized-test backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- Prior experience teaching, tutoring, or facilitating SAT, ACT, PSAT, or similar test prep is preferred but not required for candidates with strong content mastery and a demonstrated ability to work with teenagers.
- Experience teaching or mentoring in urban, diverse, or college-access settings (classroom, tutoring, or enrichment) is a plus.
- Comfortable using virtual instruction platforms and standard educational technology.
- Must be available for all required instructor training dates.
Schedule Expectations
The Instructor facilitates evening, weekend, and/or after-school SAT preparation sessions and participates in periodic staff meetings and planning sessions. All candidates must commit to attending required virtual instructor training prior to the start of each course cycle.
Compensation & Benefits
- $500 per SAT Test Prep course (by subject)
- Conferences & professional development
Application Materials
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications
- Resume detailing background and relevant skills
- A list of three professional references
- A brief statement describing prior SAT instructional experience and student outcomes achieved, if applicable
Submit all materials to: [email protected]
Employment Status: Part-Time Independent Contractor (1099)
Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position, without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, military, or citizenship status.
Pay: From $50.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
