Curriculum Developer, Programming

<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>About BEAM</strong></p> <p>Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) creates pathways for students from low-income, low-access backgrounds to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists.</p> <p>We provide BEAM students the same access to high-quality preparation in STEM as their more affluent peers, and we invest deeply in our students' success, with programming from middle school through college graduation focused on joyous, exciting, and rigorous mathematics, building vibrant communities, and supporting students in key life transitions such as college admissions and financial aid.</p> <p>BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 450+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches around 1000 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work. We've seen our students' successes first-hand, and it's backed by data: a quasi-experimental study found that students who attended our 7th grade summer program were 1.3X as likely to declare a STEM major as a matched comparison group.<strong></strong></p></div><h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION&nbsp;</strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">While our middle school programming focuses on summers, during 8th–12th grade, BEAM offers weekend classes year-round so that students can go deeper in their studies and stay in community with one-another. In Fall 2026, we're launching an ambitious revisioning of that programming centered on the opportunity for our 9th grade students to declare majors. Each major will allow students to go deeper and more in-depth on a topic that school does not cover. Engaging, authentic classes will build towards a capstone project in 11th grade which will be a significant piece of work in the field. Thus, they'll be able to develop independence in their studies, and to experience what it "really feels like" to engage with cutting-edge work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">During 8th grade, students will take two courses to prepare them for success in the majors. One course will be based in enrichment mathematics (such as combinatorics, number theory, etc.), bringing together foundational problem solving and reasoning skills for students. The second course will be in programming, which is likely to be relevant across the different majors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We expect this project to run from September 2026 through April 2027. During that time, the role is structured as a part-time role (estimated 13–17 hours/week) that can fit around other obligations, providing considerable flexibility to make your own hours (within certain requirements; see below). At the end of April, although the project will be complete, there are likely to be additional opportunities to apply for other roles and continue the work with BEAM, for example by designing other curricula, leading professional development for our instructors, or perhaps in a full-time mathematical role.</span></p> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>DESCRIPTION OF THE TEAM/DEPARTMENT</strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The team of part-time curriculum developers will be part of BEAM's Curriculum and Design Team. That team has two full-time staff members: a Manager, Curriculum &amp; Design, and a Coordinator, Curriculum &amp; Design. Both will work to support the design of outstanding materials that can be implemented across BEAM's programs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although each course design will be led by one developer, this is a highly collaborative role and you will be part of a team of designers including two 8th grade courses and three high school majors. The team will meet weekly over video for group brainstorming and collective problem solving. There may be opportunities for in-person gatherings and working together as well. The rest of the Curriculum &amp; Design Team, as well as BEAM's Founder and CEO, will be part of the design process and support with brainstorming and refining ideas to help them succeed. Additionally, you will work with and support another teacher directly implementing the materials in their first launch (in the other city of NYC and LA).</span></p> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRICULUM TO BE DEVELOPED</strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This role is being hired to develop an 8th grade programming course. That course is designed to engage students with programming at a deep level, preparing students for programming projects as part of their future major while also building excitement and fun around solving interesting computer science problems. It's an opportunity for students to see the potential power of computer-based approaches to problem solving and to leverage a new tool to greatly increase what they can accomplish.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How you structure and design the course to make it exciting is up to you, giving you the flexibility to design a great experience. We are ultimately looking for a focus that includes both working with data (which is likely to be important in students' majors) as well as solving mathematical problems (such as Project Euler). We expect the course will also touch on algorithms and data structures (although there won't really be time to go into depth on those topics). We are open to different programming languages, although Python is likely a good fit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In general, this will be an enrichment course and will not be equivalent to a college course or comprehensive in its subject. Instead, we're empowering students, picking out some aspects of programming that will set them up with a basis for future learning.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In total, the course will have 16 hours of class time, designed to run in eight 2-hour sessions or sixteen 1 hour sessions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>SUPERVISION</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Each curriculum developer will be supervised by the Manager, Curriculum and Design, who will also review work and support developing materials that can be implemented by multiple instructors. The team will also work directly with the Founder &amp; CEO, to support the design of exceptional materials that align with BEAM's vision and goals.</span></p> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:</strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please note that exact responsibilities will vary by stage of the project. The percentages reflected below reflect our good faith estimate of overall time allocation over the multi-year project. BEAM does have available a more detailed accounting of expected work by project phase to be provided to all new hires.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Curriculum Writing (65%)</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Develop learning goals and the overall topic and arc of the class</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Outline the full course</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Develop all course materials so that the courses can be successfully implemented by program instructors</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Revise materials based on the first run and feedback from instructors</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Teaching and Observations (15%)</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Directly teach the class in its initial launch</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Observe other instructors teaching the class and debrief with them to incorporate feedback</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Supporting Instruction (10%)</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Determine hiring needs for instructors, and support hiring</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Provide guidance and support to instructors implementing the course material</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Other work as needed to support the successful launch of our new academic programming (10%)</strong></span></p> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong> </strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>PHYSICAL DEMANDS</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This work primarily involves typing at a computer. In addition, it involves teaching classes which may involve considerable standing and walking.</span></p> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>QUALIFICATIONS</strong></span></h1> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We understand that there are many paths to acquiring experience and therefore welcome candidates from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds for this role who have demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to carry out the major duties outlined in this job description.&nbsp;</span></p> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Knowledge&nbsp;</strong></span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Strong knowledge of computer science at an advanced undergraduate or graduate level, including more mathematical topics such as algorithms and data structures. Experience solving mathematical problems such as analyzing data sets or Project Euler-style problems.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Knowledge of practices of enrichment teaching and different activities and classroom approaches that are effective for teaching in enrichment contexts.</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Skills and Abilities&nbsp;</strong></span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Strong pedagogical skills, especially for teaching middle school students. Able to develop exciting and engaging classes that support both rigor and depth. Examples of skills include: designing courses that structure material well for students to learn at a deep level, creating activities that promote active and deeper thinking in a classroom, and structuring classes to have a compelling arc and story to them.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Exceptional writing skills. Able to state and write solutions for problems with precise language and in ways that are engaging and energizing. Able to create clear and compelling materials for other instructors, with clear course goals and lesson plans.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ability to plan towards a goal and implement independently. Good at tracking larger projects and completing them on-time.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Strong collaboration skills.</span></li> </ul> <h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Required Experience</strong></span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At least three years of teaching experience, preferably in contexts outside of the school curriculum.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At least one prior experience creating a course independently rather than teaching from a prescribed curriculum.</span></li> </ul> <h1><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Preferred Education and Experience&nbsp;</strong></span></h1> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience working in programs that promote educational equity or teaching students from historically marginalized backgrounds. A strong understanding of diverse student backgrounds and needs, and how to design systems to thoughtfully support student needs. Specific knowledge of the barriers that low-income and minority students may encounter.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience with educational enrichment programs that support students to do more advanced work, especially at the middle school level.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience with programming in professional contexts, so that materials can be designed in a way that ties in to industry best practices.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience writing curriculum for other instructors to use.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience with STEM education and opportunities at the collegiate level or beyond, e.g. earned degrees, teaching, etc.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>APPLICATION PROCESS</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Our process, as described below, has approximately four stages and we anticipate the process lasting about 4-6 weeks in total. Our anticipated start date is September 8.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The initial step is to submit your application, including resumé and responses to a few short application questions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We will invite successful candidates to short screening interviews and submit a sample of past classroom materials that you've developed. After that, candidates will advance to two final interviews: one virtually and one in-person to give a short teaching sample on a specific topic. We expect that the final step will be reference checks.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>SALARY, BENEFITS, AND OTHER DETAILS</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The salary range for this position is $750/week, based on an expected commitment of approximately 13–17 hours per week. This range reflects BEAM’s good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role based on the anticipated scope and hours. This is a part-time, non-exempt position and the staff member in this role will need to track hours by completing weekly timesheets. Overtime is paid in accordance with applicable state law.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In order to coordinate the full team of curriculum developers, candidates must be able to make themselves available Fridays from 2pm–5pm Eastern Time for any meetings. In addition, the role requires teaching and observing classes on Saturdays and so candidates must commute to either Los Angeles or New York City for many Saturdays in Spring 2027. In order to observe instruction in the other city, there may be up to two 2-day trips to the other city.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BEAM provides a number of benefits including:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Flexible working hours</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paid annual leave</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Paid sick leave</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">403(b) Retirement Plan</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Flexible hours, with some specific time requirements:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Virtual meetings Fridays 2pm–5pm Eastern Time (scheduled at least a week ahead of time).</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Occasional 1:1 meetings during business hours, with flexible timing.</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Starting in fall 2026, teaching in-person on Saturday morning/afternoon (approximately 9AM-3PM; up to 20 weeks/year)</span></li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Up to twice per semester, travel to LA to observe their class being taught by another instructor local to LA.</span></li> </ul><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong>COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION</strong></p> <p>Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.</p> <p><strong>EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>BEAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race (including traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), ethnicity, religion (including clothing or facial hair worn in accordance with the religious tenets), color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, breastfeeding, gender (including actual or perceived sex, gender identity, and gender expression including a person’s actual or perceived gender-related self-image, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth), sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran, active military service member, or uniform service member, marital or partnership status, familial status, caregiver status, age (18 or older), predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, creed, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, unemployment status, salary history, credit history, an individual’s status as having a known relationship or association with a member or members of a protected category, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination.&nbsp;</p> <p>All personnel decisions will be made in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and subject only to valid (job-related) requirements for employment, benefits, or promotional opportunities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div>