Summer Portals Instructor - Writers and Writing chez The Hotchkiss School

Department:            Summer Portals
FLSA:                          Exempt
Reports to:               Dean of Summer Programs

Dates:                         June 28th - July 10th, 2026, and July 12th, 2026 - July 26th, 2026 – Two, Two-Week Sessions

Class Schedule:        Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. - Noon; 1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

                                     Saturdays, July 4th and July 18th -  9:00 a.m. - Noon

Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School includes a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings to rising 6^th through 9^th grade students, many of whom are experiencing a residential learning experience for the first time.  Students come to Summer Portals from diverse nationalities and cultures, seeking academic enrichment and exploration. 

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Writers & Writing Instructor will support a two-week curriculum (same program each session) that introduces students to both academic writing and the personal writing students might do as independent authors. The instructor will foster the growth of student writing through close reading of non-fiction, poetry, and short fiction, as well as daily free writing, discussions, and revision work. The instructor will encourage the students to consider writing as a series of decisions and choices that follow inspiration. Candidates should have experience with teaching creative non-fiction and short critical prose. The instructor is expected to develop a class that prepares students for the writing and discussion-based exploration of literature that comprises much of the humanities work at independent schools.

The Hotchkiss School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences. Room and Board provided if needed.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in the Summer Portals faculty orientation, which includes online professional boundaries training in Sexual Harassment Prevention and the CT Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Training.
• Guide and support the curriculum and class lesson planning during the program,
• Instruct students by observing their academic level, conducting debate activities to support their skill development, and helping them explore and elaborate on their stances.
• Counsel, support, and guide students as needed.
• Identify and communicate with the Dean of Summer Programs, any emergent need that warrants immediate support, ensuring student safety and well-being. 
• Portals Faculty are expected to eat communally with students.
• Portals faculty who receive School-provided housing through the program, and are not full-time Hotchkiss faculty, are expected to manage about four nights of evening supervision during the program session; supervising the Main Building, an evening activity, chaperoning an off-campus trip to a local location, or a similar duty.
• At the end of the program, provide a written assessment commenting on each student’s progress through the program, describing their growth, attitude, effort, as well as achievement.
• Review student comments from other Speech and Debate instructors before final submission.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A four-year College Degree is required.
• Qualified applicants will have demonstrated successful teaching and/or coaching writing for 9th graders and older.
• Possess excellent time management and organizational skills needed to oversee the program and other instructor colleagues.
• Possess strong communication skills that effectively promote inclusive and respectful behavior amongst students and respectful exchange amongst colleagues.
• Friendly attitude and approachable demeanor that exhibits compassion, empathy, and patience for students.

 PHYSICAL WORK CONDITIONS

• Faculty are expected to perform work on campus in the presence of students.
• Must be able to maintain a stationary position and/or traverse while performing essential responsibilities.
• Must be able to communicate and converse as well as distinguish and observe.
• The Hotchkiss School is a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities.  The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.