Are you passionate about education and eager to make a tangible difference in a student's life? Minds Matter Houston is seeking a dedicated Writing and Critical Thinking Instructor to guide our high-achieving, low-income students on their path to college success.
While college applications are evolving, the critical skills of writing succinctly, thinking critically, and strong reading comprehension remain vital for college readiness. If you thrive on teaching in a small group setting and want to see your impact directly, this is the role for you.
What You'll Do: As a Writing and Critical Thinking Instructor, you'll work with a small group of students on a personalized plan to improve their writing and analytical skills. This involves:
- Curriculum Leadership: Collaborate with our Saturday Programs team to deliver engaging weekly lessons, exercises, and activities. Go beyond basic grammar to teach fundamental critical thinking concepts, bringing the curriculum to life.
- Student Empowerment: Help students develop SMART goals and a strategic preparation plan for their academic growth and college applications.
- Progress Evaluation: Continuously assess student progress, developing personalized approaches to maximize writing improvement. Give feedback on writing assignments, homework, and review summer program applications or college personal statements.
- Collaboration: Connect regularly with other test prep tutors to share best practices and address challenges. Meet formally with mentoring pods at least twice a year to coordinate student support.
- Communication: Proactively communicate any student issues (e.g., incomplete homework, engagement concerns) to the Director of Saturday Programs, collaboratively developing solutions.
- Community Building: Foster solid, trusting relationships with students, mentors, and fellow volunteers. Attend volunteer events throughout the year to strengthen the chapter's "mutual generosity and care".
Who We're Looking For:
- Deeply passionate about Minds Matter's mission and committed to educational equity.
- Enthusiastic about working with youth and building transformative relationships.
- Excellent communicators with strong interpersonal and classroom management skills.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and a proactive problem-solver.
- Flexible, adaptable, comfortable with ambiguity, and possesses a sense of humor (takes work seriously, not themselves!).
Time Commitment:
- Total Time: Approximately 4–5 hours per week during the academic year (September through May)
- Saturday Instruction: In-person sessions every Saturday from 10 AM – 12 PM (~18 sessions total).
- Flexible Hours: Weekly time for lesson preparation, grading, and monthly team alignment meetings.
- Training & Strategy: Attendance at mandatory training (late summer/September) and periodic leadership sessions throughout the year.
Ready to make a visible difference? We invite college graduates in the Houston area to apply.
Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- classroom teaching: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Houston, TX 77029 (Required)
Work Location: In person
