Pre-College Instructor, Environmental Studies: Designing a Sustainable Future (On-Campus), Summer 2026

Columbia University's Pre-College Programs offer high-achieving high school students the opportunity to engage in exploratory coursework at the college level, studying alongside peers from around the world. This highly selective program is open to students entering grades 9 and through the summer following  their senior year.

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for high school students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’26. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude.

For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.

Course Description

From climate change to resource management, today’s environmental challenges call for creative, interdisciplinary solutions. This course invites students to explore what it means to build a sustainable future that balances human needs with the health of our planet.

Using a systems-thinking approach, students investigate the interconnectedness of ecosystems, food systems, energy systems, and the built environment. Through interactive lectures, hands-on lab activities, and design-based projects, students will examine topics such as ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture, energy-efficient design, and sustainable transportation. Field experiences bring these ideas to life through visits to locations such as the Hudson River, the Billion Oyster Project, vertical farms, and examples of green architecture. Students conduct water and air quality testing, experiment with renewable energy through projects like solar cars and water wheels, and collaborate on case studies that analyze real-world strategies for sustainability.

By the end of the course, students gain practical insight into how science, engineering, and social systems can work together to design a more resilient and sustainable world.

Course Schedule(s)

Session A: June 29 - July 17 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm

Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm

Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations

• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips 

• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population

• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends

• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (typical class size is 20-24 students)

• Attend and complete all required online trainings

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Session A & B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching in the Message to Hiring Manager field.  

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)

• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching

• Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.

• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran