Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs

Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Director of Academics

Job Description:  

The PTY Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs works with the PTY Director of Academics to help ensure exceptional academic experiences within the VSA program. The Head of Teaching and Learning oversees the Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning and is responsible for a variety of pre-program, during program, and post-program academic support, including but not limited to reviewing lesson plans/syllabi, meeting with instructors to provide guidance and support, observing instruction and providing feedback as an instructional coach, modeling appropriate pedagogy,  and reviewing student rubrics. The Head of Academics will, at times, collaborate with the Director of Academics and Head of Student Support to help address instructional response for students with academic concerns. This is a non-residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on VSA Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. 

Perks: 

Your summer includes: 

• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars.  
• Working on the campus of a nationally known institution.   
• Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
• Competitive compensation with lunch provided.  

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs is expected to:

• Serve as a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
• Along with the Director of Academics, provide written and oral feedback to instructors pre-program to support lesson planning and during the program to support implementation 
• Implement an effective observation schedule and feedback system for VSA instructors. 
• Collect data during instructor observations that can be analyzed.  
• Oversee and liaise with the Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning to ensure the timely review of all student rubrics. 
• Collaborate, when necessary, with the Academic Materials Manager to ensure that instructors’ materials, technology, and lab equipment needs are met. 
• Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.  
• Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.  
• Serve as a substitute instructor or teaching assistant in the event an instructor is absent. 
• Discuss academic concerns with instructors and students with a professional and solutions-focused approach. 
• Assist with compliance related protocol and issues.  
• Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 
• Submit a recap of the day by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of WAVU. 
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with a classroom assistant to support classroom logistics, social-emotional support for students, and group dynamics. 
• Collaborate with a teaching assistant, if applicable, to support classroom instruction. 
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors. 
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.   
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.  
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs.with or without accommodation.

Qualifications:  

The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics:   

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an M.Ed. preferred.  
• A teaching or education background is required. (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.) 
• A background in a STEM field is preferred, but not required.  
• Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
• Experience with coaching educators preferred. 
• Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.   
• Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
• Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 

Compensation:

$26.00/hr

*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.

Program Dates and Times:* 

• Pre-session work: April and May (approximately 10-20 hrs/wk) 
• Approximately 40 hrs/week after June 1
• VSA Sessions operating June-July 
  • VSA Session 1: June 8 – June 14, 2025
  • VSA Session 2: June 22 – June 28, 2025
  • VSA Session 3: July 6 – 19, 2025 
  • While hours may shift slightly based on work, standard hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30AM–4:30PM.

*dates subject to change

Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs

Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Director of Academics

Job Description:  

The PTY Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs works with the Head of Teaching and Learning (7-12) and PTY Director of Academics to help ensure exceptional academic experiences within Vanderbilt Summer Academy. The PTY Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs is responsible for a variety of during program and post-program academic support, including but not limited to overseeing the review of student rubrics, imputing and analyzing instructor observation data, and serving as a substitute instructor or teaching assistant when needed. This is a non-residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on VSA Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. 

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars.  
• Working on the campus of a nationally known institution.   
• Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
• Competitive compensation with lunch provided.  

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Head of Teaching and Learning is expected to:  

• Serve as a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
• Support the Director of Academics and Head of Teaching and Learning (7-12) in reviewing lesson plans/syllabi, as requested 
• Support the Head of Teaching and Learning (7-12) in the review of all student rubrics  
• Serve as a substitute instructor or teaching assistant in the event an instructor is absent. 
• Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.  
• Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.  
• Discuss academic concerns with instructors and students with a professional and solutions-focused approach. 
• Serve as a substitute instructor or teaching assistant as needed if an instructor or teaching assistant is absent. 
• Assist with compliance related protocol and issues.  
• Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Submit a recap of the day by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of WAVU. 
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with a classroom assistant to support classroom logistics, social-emotional support for students, and group dynamics. 
• Collaborate with a teaching assistant, if applicable, to support classroom instruction. 
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors. 
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.   
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.  
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs.with or without accommodation.

Qualifications:  

The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics:   

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an M.Ed. preferred.  
• A teaching or education background is required. (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.) 
• Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
• Experience with coaching educators preferred. 
• Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Have experience communicating with parents or key stakeholders of an organization.   
• Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
• Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. 
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials.

Compensation:

$22.00/hr

*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.

Program Dates and Times:* 

• Online and Onsite Training: TBD in May 
• Approximately 40 hrs/week after June 1 
• VSA Sessions operating June-July 
  • VSA Session 1: June 8 – June 14, 2025
  • VSA Session 2: June 22 – June 28, 2025
  • VSA Session 3: July 6 – 19, 2025 
  • Standard hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30AM–4:30PM.

*dates subject to change

PTY Academic Materials Manager for Middle and High School Programs

Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Director of Academics

Job Description: 

The Academic Materials Manager for Middle and High School Programs position is responsible for overseeing the materials needed for instruction across all VSA courses. The Academic Materials Manager (7-12) supervises the Academic Materials Assistant (Program Assistant) and oversees materials acquisition and distribution to ensure that VSA instructors have the materials they need to offer students a positive classroom experience. This position is responsible for a variety of pre-program and in-program objectives including but not limited to academic material ordering and organization, course materials communication with instructors and other academic staff, and scheduling and distribution of PTY technology and lab equipment to classrooms. This is a non-residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on VSA Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. 

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars. 
• Working on the campus of a nationally known institution.   
• Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in advanced students.   
• Competitive compensation with lunch provided while in session. 

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, the Academic Materials Manager is expected to:  

• Serve as a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
• Implement efficient operations and workflow strategies in a rapidly changing and fast-paced academic program.   
• Order, organize, and coordinate distribution of academic materials for VSA courses. 
• Support the Director of Academics in managing systems related to materials requests.  
• Monitor the academic budget guidelines when purchasing items.  
• Oversee the delivery of course materials to classrooms prior to and during VSA sessions. 
• Oversee and collaborate with Assistant Materials Manager for Middle and High School Programs to ensure that all instructors’ technology and lab equipment requests are met. 
• Communicate effectively with PTY Director of Academics and Head of Teaching and Learning for Middle and High School Programs to ensure that instructors’ materials, technology, and lab equipment requests are met. 
• Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.  
• Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.  
• Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.  
• Assist with compliance related protocol and issues.  
• Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 
  
• Submit a recap of the day by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of WAVU. 
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with a classroom assistant to support classroom logistics, social-emotional support for students, and group dynamics. 
• Collaborate with a teaching assistant, if applicable, to support classroom instruction. 
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors. 
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.   
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.  
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs.with or without accommodation.

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate will:   

• Possess a bachelor’s degree, be a graduate student or a professional.  
• An education background is preferred but not required (Candidates both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest.) 
• Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
• Possess cultural sensitivity awareness and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Have experience communicating with key stakeholders of an organization.   
• Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
• Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. 
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 

Compensation:

$22.00/hr

*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.

Program Dates and Times:* 

• On-site Training: TBD 
• Pre-session work: 
  • April (approximately 5-10hrs/wk) 
  • May (approximately 20 hrs/wk)  
  • Approximately 40 hrs/week after June 1 
• VSA Sessions operating June-July 
  • VSA Session 1: June 8 – June 14, 2025
  • VSA Session 2: June 22 – June 28, 2025
  • VSA Session 3: July 6 – 19, 2025 
  • Standard hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30AM–4:30PM.
  • Weekend hours may be required during the program and will vary based on program need.

*Dates subject to change 

*dates subject to change 

PTY Academic Materials Program Assistant for Middle and High School Programs

Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Director of Academics

Job Description: 

The PTY Academic Materials Program Assistant for Middle and High School Programs (program assistant) position is responsible for supporting the Academics Materials Manager (7-12) in the organization and distribution of materials needed for instruction across all VSA courses. This position is responsible for a variety of pre-program and in-program objectives including but not limited to supporting academic material ordering and organization, communicating with instructors and other academic staff concerning needs related to materials, and helping with scheduling and distribution of PTY technology and lab equipment to classrooms. This is a non-residential position that requires flexible weekend hours on Check-in/Check-out Days and during the weekends of program operation. 

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars. 
• Working on the campus of a nationally known institution.   
• Adding a unique experience to your resume.  
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted students.   
• Competitive compensation with lunch provided while in session. 

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, Academic Materials Assistant for Middle and High School Programs is expected to:  

• Be a role model for all student participants and colleagues.  
• Support the implementational of efficient operations and workflow strategies in a rapidly changing and fast-paced academic program.   
• Assist in organizing and distribution of all materials for VSA courses. 
• Support the delivery of course materials to classrooms prior to and during VSA sessions. 
• Support the distribution of technology and lab equipment to VSA classrooms. 
• Uphold and exemplify community values, regulations, and expectations.  
• Enthusiastically adapt and pivot as needed to ensure optimal, engaging, and safe student experiences.  
• Assist with various administrative duties and processes to ensure smooth operations.  
• Assist with compliance related protocol and issues.  
• Thrive in a fast-paced, demanding work environment that requires continuing flexibility, a positive and caring attitude, and collaboration.  
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 
• Submit a recap of the day by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of WAVU. 
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with a classroom assistant to support classroom logistics, social-emotional support for students, and group dynamics. 
• Collaborate with a teaching assistant, if applicable, to support classroom instruction. 
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors. 
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.   
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.  
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs.with or without accommodation.

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate will:   

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student. (Students both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest). 
• Demonstrate exceptional maturity and character.   
• Have experience working within an office or in a customer service intensive role.   
• Have experience communicating with key stakeholders of an organization.   
• Embody a strong team player ethic and sense of humor.  
• Be able to successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.  
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors. 
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 

Compensation:

$16.00/hr

*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.

Program Dates and Times:* 

• On-site Training: TBD 
• Pre-session work:
  • May (approximately 20 hrs/wk)  
  • Approximately 40 hrs/week after June 1 

• VSA Sessions operating June-July 
  • VSA Session 1: June 8 – June 14, 2025
  • VSA Session 2: June 22 – June 28, 2025
  • VSA Session 3: July 6 – 19, 2025 
  • The standard shift during programs is 7:30AM to 4:30PM Monday-Friday.
  • Weekend hours may be required during the program and will vary based on program need.

*Dates subject to change 

*dates subject to change 

Teaching Assistant for Middle and High School Programs

Location: Nashville, TN
Type: Non-Residential
Reports to: Director of Academics

Job Description: 

The Teaching Assistant (TA), typically recommended directly by the VSA instructor of the course, collaborates with the VSA instructor during the session to ensure that students are appropriately challenged and supported on the academic content. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  

Perks: 

Your summer includes:  

• Making a difference through investing in the lives of gifted and high achieving young scholars. 
• Working on the campus of a nationally known institution.   
• Adding a unique experience to your resume. 
• Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in advanced students.   
• Competitive compensation with lunch included.   

Expectations: 

Within their wide array of duties and responsibilities, VSA Academic Materials Assistant is expected to: 

• Communicate with the instructor prior to the program (maximum of 5 hours) to understand the instructor’s plans and to discuss how the instructor would like the TA to provide academic support during class. 
• Support the instructor in the classroom by monitoring student understanding, reinforcing learning objectives, providing individual and small group differentiated support with instructional content. 
• Assist and support the instructor with uploading class information through Vanderbilt’s Learning Management System (Brightspace) so that students may access information during and after the course. 
• Liaise with the instructor, Head of Teaching and Learning (7-12), and PTY Director of Academics regarding students’ academic concerns, as appropriate 
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors. 
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.   
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.  
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 
• Submit a recap of the day by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of WAVU. 
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with a classroom assistant to support classroom logistics, social-emotional support for students, and group dynamics. 
• Understand and implement policies and procedures related to protection of minors. 
• Adhere to PTY’s policies related to confidentiality. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Successfully and positively communicate with individuals of all ages, experiences, and roles.   
• Successfully pass the Vanderbilt University criminal background check and online training for working with minors.  
• Agree to adhere to all duties before, during, and after the program as outlined in the staff materials. 
• Must be able to traverse distances of at least one mile, including stairs, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to lift and/or maneuver at least 40 lbs.with or without accommodation.

Qualifications: 

It is preferred that qualified applicants be directly recommended by an instructor and hold a bachelor’s degree by the time of employment. Current Master’s or Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

Compensation:

$16.00/hr

*This position is eligible for the returning PTY seasonal staff incentive.
**This position is eligible for the Master’s Degree/ Educator or Counselor Certification incentive.

Program Dates and Times:* 

• Required Onsite Training: TBA 
• VSA Sessions operating June-July 
  • VSA Session 1: June 8 – June 14, 2025
  • VSA Session 2: June 22 – June 28, 2025
  • VSA Session 3: July 6 – 19, 2025 
  • Standard hours of instruction are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

* TAs may work one or multiple sessions.  

*Dates subject to change.  

Please visit our teaching opportunities page for more information about serving as a VSA instructor.