Pre-College Instructor, Mathematical Methods in Physics (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

Designed for aspiring physicists and mathematicians, students will delve into the powerful mathematical tools essential for understanding and solving complex physical problems.

Students will develop an understanding of these methods by learning to model, analyze, conduct theoretical investigations and interpret physical phenomena. Through engaging lectures, hands-on problem-solving, and interactive projects, participants will gain proficiency in applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills and intuition to tackle challenges encountered in theoretical and experimental physics.

This course provides a valuable head start for those planning to pursue studies in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related fields at the collegiate level. 

Prerequisite: One year of high school algebra and one year of high school physics. Calculus is recommended but not required.

Course Schedule

Session A: June 29 - July 17 -- 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 Range

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

• Please note your availability to teach the Session A schedule (as well as any information regarding your suitability for the role) 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