Student U
Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham.
We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we're creating a Durham where all students succeed.
As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first generation college-bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for children in our community.
The Work
Our Summer Academy staff are excited to facilitate learning and create an environment for students to succeed. At Summer Academy, we are committed to helping our students feel success and growth by providing thoughtful, intentional academic experiences, and sharing our own excitement around academic content.
Mentor Teachers
are a crucial support for teachers at Student U's Summer Academy. Each mentor sets and leads instructional priorities for one content area (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science) and provides instructional coaching and support to a cohort of 8-9 teachers in their content area. We believe our classrooms should reflect best practices in instruction, encourage academic rigor, develop critical thinking skills, and engage students in becoming change agents in their communities. Student U provides a base curriculum for all content classes taught at Summer Academy, and mentor teachers work to ensure our summer educators have the tools and support they need to implement these materials effectively with our students. This role is designed for an experienced educator who will enjoy coaching novice teachers, guiding educators to implement Student U's curriculum, ensuring Student U classrooms are culturally responsive and support the whole child, and contributing as a part of the larger Student U community.
Job Responsibilities
The commitment for this role is March 2026-August 2026. The schedule, hours, and responsibilities for this position change over the course of these months, as Student U moves from programming planning to program implementation:
Season + Schedule*
Job Responsibilities
March - May 2026
Spring Work
20 Hours/month; Hybrid
Primarily remote preparation work with
six
required trainings and events throughout the spring
Attend Mentor Teacher training & pre-summer staff gatherings: March 17, 2026, 5:00-6:30 PM
: Mentor Teacher Training 1 April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM:
Summer Staff Launch April 11, 2026: 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
: Pre-Summer PD Day April 28, 2026, 5:00-6:30 PM
: Mentor Teacher Training 2 May 27, 2026, 6:00-7:00:
Virtual Cohort Check-in TBD: Mentor Teacher Training #3, in May
Read and internalize curriculum materials teachers will be implementing Prepare pre-summer edits to curriculum materials (as needed)
Collaborate with Program staff to plan and prepare teacher orientation as needed June 15-26, 2026
Staff Orientation
Note: Student U is closed June 19
Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00; in-person
Participate in and/or lead appropriate Teacher Orientation sessions Prepare Student U teachers to create an effective, positive classroom setting Guide cohort of teachers through the process of internalizing, modifying, and preparing to teach content area lesson plans Lead new teachers in Lesson Demonstrations and implementation practice June 29-August 5, 2026
Summer Academy Program
Note: Student U is closed July 3
Monday-Thursday, 7:30-2:00; in-person
Support a cohort of 8-9 Student U Summer Academy teachers. Regularly observe classes and meet individually with teachers to reflect on their practice Provide feedback and coaching regarding effective instruction, classroom management, teaching methods, and building positive, inclusive classroom culture Conduct an end-of-summer meeting/reflection for all teachers in cohort
Participate in weekly Mentor Teacher meetings Identify program-wide teacher needs and help plan weekly PLC/PD sessions for teachers Provide ongoing feedback to Student U Program Team on curriculum and learning environment at Summer Academy
Collaborate with Student U staff to plan and implement a mid-summer Professional Learning day for teachers Engage positively in the wider Student U community, sharing passion for teaching, learning, and leading Revise Student U curriculum materials to strengthen for use in Summer Academy 2027 *If you are concerned about your ability to fulfill the requirements due to scheduling conflicts but are still interested in the position, please contact Alex Lowe Turner at alex.lowe@studentudurham.org.
Requirements & Qualifications
Belief in Student U's mission, vision and core values Commitment to the Student U model and passion for teaching A minimum of three years teaching experience in a middle or high school setting Understanding of and appreciation for the adolescent child Outstanding knowledge of subject matter/content area Excitement to teach, support, and inspire new educators Ability to work effectively in many different environments with people from diverse backgrounds Ability to deliver positive, constructive, and honest feedback Strong organizational skills Anti-Discrimination Policy & Commitment to Equity & Child Safeguarding Policy
Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture within our organization where people from various backgrounds can participate fully and equitably, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission. Student U has a commitment to ensuring the safety of our students. All staff will participate in a mental health training for young people, safety training, and Restorative Practices training during orientation.
Benefits
Compensation
: $22/hour; ~250 hours total from March 2026-August 2026
Preferred Deadline:
Rolling deadline with preference given to applications submitted by January 16, 2026
Apply Onlin
e!
For new applicants, please submit your resume
and answers to the following questions in a cover letter:
What role do you believe race and wealth play in the education of children? How do your beliefs influence your education and teaching philosophy? Imagine coaching a brand new teacher. What 2-3 skills and/or competencies do you believe are most important for them to master first? We try to pair each Mentor Teacher with teachers under one content area. Please indicate your preferred content area: Social Studies English/Language Arts Science Math High School Elective Courses
For returning applicants, please submit your resume and answers to the following questions:
What was one of your greatest strengths as a Mentor Teacher? How do you hope to continue sharing or growing this strength with the Student U Community at Summer Academy 2026? What is one challenge you faced in your last summer as a Mentor Teacher at Student U? Please describe a brief action plan that indicates how and in what ways you will work to approach that challenge this summer.
We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Together, we're creating a Durham where all students succeed.
As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first generation college-bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for children in our community.
The Work
Our Summer Academy staff are excited to facilitate learning and create an environment for students to succeed. At Summer Academy, we are committed to helping our students feel success and growth by providing thoughtful, intentional academic experiences, and sharing our own excitement around academic content.
Mentor Teachers
are a crucial support for teachers at Student U's Summer Academy. Each mentor sets and leads instructional priorities for one content area (ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science) and provides instructional coaching and support to a cohort of 8-9 teachers in their content area. We believe our classrooms should reflect best practices in instruction, encourage academic rigor, develop critical thinking skills, and engage students in becoming change agents in their communities. Student U provides a base curriculum for all content classes taught at Summer Academy, and mentor teachers work to ensure our summer educators have the tools and support they need to implement these materials effectively with our students. This role is designed for an experienced educator who will enjoy coaching novice teachers, guiding educators to implement Student U's curriculum, ensuring Student U classrooms are culturally responsive and support the whole child, and contributing as a part of the larger Student U community.
Job Responsibilities
The commitment for this role is March 2026-August 2026. The schedule, hours, and responsibilities for this position change over the course of these months, as Student U moves from programming planning to program implementation:
Season + Schedule*
Job Responsibilities
March - May 2026
Spring Work
20 Hours/month; Hybrid
Primarily remote preparation work with
six
required trainings and events throughout the spring
Attend Mentor Teacher training & pre-summer staff gatherings: March 17, 2026, 5:00-6:30 PM
: Mentor Teacher Training 1 April 10, 2026, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM:
Summer Staff Launch April 11, 2026: 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
: Pre-Summer PD Day April 28, 2026, 5:00-6:30 PM
: Mentor Teacher Training 2 May 27, 2026, 6:00-7:00:
Virtual Cohort Check-in TBD: Mentor Teacher Training #3, in May
Read and internalize curriculum materials teachers will be implementing Prepare pre-summer edits to curriculum materials (as needed)
Collaborate with Program staff to plan and prepare teacher orientation as needed June 15-26, 2026
Staff Orientation
Note: Student U is closed June 19
Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00; in-person
Participate in and/or lead appropriate Teacher Orientation sessions Prepare Student U teachers to create an effective, positive classroom setting Guide cohort of teachers through the process of internalizing, modifying, and preparing to teach content area lesson plans Lead new teachers in Lesson Demonstrations and implementation practice June 29-August 5, 2026
Summer Academy Program
Note: Student U is closed July 3
Monday-Thursday, 7:30-2:00; in-person
Support a cohort of 8-9 Student U Summer Academy teachers. Regularly observe classes and meet individually with teachers to reflect on their practice Provide feedback and coaching regarding effective instruction, classroom management, teaching methods, and building positive, inclusive classroom culture Conduct an end-of-summer meeting/reflection for all teachers in cohort
Participate in weekly Mentor Teacher meetings Identify program-wide teacher needs and help plan weekly PLC/PD sessions for teachers Provide ongoing feedback to Student U Program Team on curriculum and learning environment at Summer Academy
Collaborate with Student U staff to plan and implement a mid-summer Professional Learning day for teachers Engage positively in the wider Student U community, sharing passion for teaching, learning, and leading Revise Student U curriculum materials to strengthen for use in Summer Academy 2027 *If you are concerned about your ability to fulfill the requirements due to scheduling conflicts but are still interested in the position, please contact Alex Lowe Turner at alex.lowe@studentudurham.org.
Requirements & Qualifications
Belief in Student U's mission, vision and core values Commitment to the Student U model and passion for teaching A minimum of three years teaching experience in a middle or high school setting Understanding of and appreciation for the adolescent child Outstanding knowledge of subject matter/content area Excitement to teach, support, and inspire new educators Ability to work effectively in many different environments with people from diverse backgrounds Ability to deliver positive, constructive, and honest feedback Strong organizational skills Anti-Discrimination Policy & Commitment to Equity & Child Safeguarding Policy
Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture within our organization where people from various backgrounds can participate fully and equitably, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission. Student U has a commitment to ensuring the safety of our students. All staff will participate in a mental health training for young people, safety training, and Restorative Practices training during orientation.
Benefits
Compensation
: $22/hour; ~250 hours total from March 2026-August 2026
Preferred Deadline:
Rolling deadline with preference given to applications submitted by January 16, 2026
Apply Onlin
e!
For new applicants, please submit your resume
and answers to the following questions in a cover letter:
What role do you believe race and wealth play in the education of children? How do your beliefs influence your education and teaching philosophy? Imagine coaching a brand new teacher. What 2-3 skills and/or competencies do you believe are most important for them to master first? We try to pair each Mentor Teacher with teachers under one content area. Please indicate your preferred content area: Social Studies English/Language Arts Science Math High School Elective Courses
For returning applicants, please submit your resume and answers to the following questions:
What was one of your greatest strengths as a Mentor Teacher? How do you hope to continue sharing or growing this strength with the Student U Community at Summer Academy 2026? What is one challenge you faced in your last summer as a Mentor Teacher at Student U? Please describe a brief action plan that indicates how and in what ways you will work to approach that challenge this summer.