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Teaching Opportunities Through PTY

Spring Programs Accepting Applications

Teaching for PTY

Do you love your content area and want to share your knowledge with others? Are you a Ph.D. student looking for a supportive environment that provides you a teaching opportunity? Are you strong classroom teacher with experience in working with advanced students?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, PTY may have an opportunity for you!

PTY offers classes to academically advanced students in grades K-12. Our courses are:

Accelerated: Students take one course while they are with us, learning in depth material at a faster pace and more advanced level (about 3 grades) than in a typical classroom.

Collegial: Instructors serve the role of scholar-mentor to a class of about 14-20 students (depending on grade), teaching not only the material they need to know, but the methods, habits, and practices of a scholar in that field.

Unique: Courses should not be like what students could otherwise take at school.

PTY has teaching opportunities each season for content experts and educators. Explore the sections below to learn more about our specific programs and opportunities. If you are intrigued and want to continue exploring this opportunities, please reach out to us to schedule a conversation.

To schedule a conversation, please send your CV along with availability to meet for an initial conversation with the applicable program director:

  • Stacia Mills, Director, Day Programs
    • On-Campus Day Programs
      • SAVY (K-6 grade) – Summer and Saturday programs
      • Career Connections at SAVY (7-8 grade) – Summer and Saturday programs
  • Mark Shivers, Director of Secondary and Residential Programs
    • On-Campus Residential Programs
      • Vanderbilt Summer Academy (7-12 grade).
    • Virtual Programs
      • Mentor Immersion (10-12 grade)
      • Rising Experts (7-9 grade)

Note: Compensation for all instructor positions is based on qualifications and experience. It is preferred that those expressing interest in teaching in our middle and high school programs have, or be working toward, a terminal degree (e.g. Ph.D.).

Saturday Opportunities (Academic Year)

Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY)

Saturday SAVY is a day program for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The program meets for three consecutive Saturdays in the fall and spring. Different course options are offered weekly to students in fall and spring. Students are groups together by grade. Each course is designed to run the length of the three Saturdays so that students may delve deep into the content. Students sign up for fall and/or spring depending on their schedules and interests. Classes last from 9:00AM – 2:45PM on Saturdays. Instructors may teach fall session, spring session, or both. If an instructor teaches both sessions, the instructor will teach different classes and/or different grade levels.

  • Click Here For the Saturday SAVY Instructor Job Description

    Job Description:

    Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) is a Saturday program for academically advanced students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Students take classes taught by master teachers and/or content experts. The SAVY course instructor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY course that is appropriately challenging for advanced students, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for young minds. Courses can be designed for students in Kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, or 7th/8th grade. Students take one course for a session and are typically in class for three consecutive Saturdays, from approximately 9:00AM to 2:45PM. Instructors will have support leading up to the session and during the session from PTY’s Director of Academics.

    Learn More About SAVY

    Perks:

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced young students.  
    • 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. 

    Expectations:

    • Carefully design an academically rigorous and engaging course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles.
    • Courses can be designed for students in rising 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, or 5th/6th grade
    • Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics, to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction
    • Teach the group of students enrolled in class for the duration of the session
    • Complete evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class in a timely manner following the conclusion of the course
    • Conduct a parent open house to showcase the course and students’ work
    • Write daily blog posts to share with families on the PTY website
    • Communicate effectively and efficiently with SAVY staff, including responding to requests for information from SAVY staff in a timely manner
    • Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter in advance of the program and at the communicated deadline
    • Collaborate with a teaching assistant to support classroom instruction and dynamics
    • 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:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Current experienced classroom teachers, university faculty, staff, postdocs, and Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on degree/credentials, starting at $1000/session.

    Program Dates and Times:*

    • Required Virtual Training: TBA
    • SAVY Sessions Dates
      • Fall, 2025: October 25, November 1, November 8
      • Spring, 2026: January 24, January 31, February 7

    Standard hours of instruction are Saturdays, 9:00AM to 2:45PM with a required 7:45AM meeting on the first Saturday of each session.

    * Instructors may work one or multiple sessions. Dates subject to change.

Summer Opportunities

Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY)

Summer SAVY is a day program for students going into grades 1-6. Different course options are offered weekly to students in June and July. Students are groups together by grade. Each course is designed to be a week long so that students may delve deep into the content. Students sign up for one or more weeks depending on their schedules and interests. Classes last from 8:45 AM – 3:45PM on weekdays. Instructors may teach one or multiple sessions (weeks). If an instructor teaches multiple weeks, the instructor will teach different classes and/or different grade levels.

  • Click Here For the Summer SAVY Instructor Job Description

    Job Description:

    Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) is a summer day program for academically advanced students in rising 1st through 6th grade. Students take classes taught by master teachers and/or content experts. The SAVY course instructor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY course that is appropriately challenging for advanced students, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for young minds. Courses can be designed for students in rising 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, or 7th/8th grade. Students take one course for a one-week session and are typically in class Monday through Friday, from approximately 9:00AM to 3:30PM. Instructors will have support leading up to the session from PTY’s Director of Academics. During the session, SAVY instructors will have instructional support from the Director of Academics and Head of Teaching and Learning (K-6).

    Learn More About SAVY 

    Perks:

    Your summer includes:  

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced young students.  
    • 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. 

    Expectations:

    • Carefully design and teach an academically rigorous and engaging course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles.
    • Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter based on the communicated deadline.
    • Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics and/or PTY’s Head of Teaching (K-6) and Learning to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction.
    • Teach the group of students enrolled in class for the duration of the session.
    • Complete evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class in a timely manner following the conclusion of the course. 
    • Teach the group of students enrolled in class for the duration of the day 
    • 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:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Current experienced classroom teachers, university faculty, staff, postdocs, and Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on degree/credentials, starting at $1500/week.

    Program Dates and Times:*

    • Online Training: TBA 
    • SAVY Sessions Options:
      • Session 1: June 8 – 12, 2026
      • Session 2: June 15 – 19, 2026
      • Session 3: June 22 – 26, 2026
      • Session 4: June 29-July 3, 2026
      • Session 5: July 6 – 10, 2026
      • Session 6: July 13 – 17, 2026
      • Session 7: July 20 – 24, 2026

    Standard hours of instruction are Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 3:30PM with a required 7:30AM meeting on the Monday of each session.

    * Instructors may work one or multiple sessions. Dates subject to change.

Career Connections at Summer SAVY

Career Connections at SAVY is a day program specifically designed for students going into grade 7 and 8. Different course options are offered to weekly to students in July. Each course is designed to be a week long so that students may delve deep into the content. Students sign up for one or more weeks depending on their schedules and interests. Classes last from 9:00AM -3:30PM on weekdays. Instructors may teach one or multiple sessions (weeks). If an instructor teaches multiple weeks, the instructor will teach different classes and/or different grade levels.

  • Click Here For the Career Connections at SAVY Summer Job Description

    Job Description:

    Career Connections at Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY) is a summer day program for academically advanced students in grades rising 7th and 8th grade. Students take classes taught by master teachers and/or content experts. The course instructor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY course that is appropriately challenging for advanced students, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for young minds. Students take one course for a one-week session and are typically in class Monday through Friday, from approximately 9:00AM to 3:30PM. Instructors will have support leading up to the session from PTY’s Director of Academics. During the session, instructors will have instructional support from the Director of Academics and PTY’s Head of Teaching and Learning (K-6).

    Learn More About Career Connections at SAVY

    Perks:

    Your summer includes

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced middle and high school students.
    • 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.

    Expectations:

    • Carefully design and teach an academically rigorous and engaging course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles.
    • Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter in advance of the program and at the communicated deadline
    • Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics and/or PTY’s Head of Teaching (K-6) and Learning, to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction
    • 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.
    • materials.

    Qualifications:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Current experienced classroom teachers, university faculty, staff, postdocs, and Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on degree/credentials, starting at $1500/week.

    Program Dates and Times:*

    • Online Training: TBA
    • Career Connections at SAVY Sessions Options
      • Session 3: June 22 – 26, 2026
      • Session 4: June 29-July 3, 2026
      • Session 5: July 6 – 10, 2026
      • Session 6: July 13 – 17, 2026
      • Session 7: July 20 – 24, 2026

    Standard hours of instruction are Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 3:30PM with a required 7:30AM meeting on the Monday of each session.

    * Instructors may work one or multiple sessions. Dates subject to change.

Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA)

VSA is a residential program for students going into grade 7-12 with one- and two-week options based on grade. VSA students take an accelerated course taught by an instructor (non-residential position) who is typically a PhD student, faculty member, and content expert. VSA are designed to be accelerated to meet the needs of gifted and high-ability students. With up to six hours a day devoted to academic learning, this program provides for a satisfying level of focus and depth.  

  • Click Here For the VSA Instructor Job Description

    Job Description:

    Vanderbilt Summer Academy is a summer residential program for academically advanced students in rising 7th through 12th grade. Students take classes taught by professors, PhD students, and content experts. The VSA course instructor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY course that is appropriately challenging and engaging for students. Instructors teach a class to a particular age band: rising 7th and 8th; rising 9th and 10th; or rising 11th and 12th. Students take one course for a session and are typically in class Monday through Friday from approximately 8:45AM to 3:45PM. June sessions are one-week courses, while July sessions are a combination of one-week and two-week opportunities. The two-week session also includes a half-day of instruction (9:00AM to Noon) on the Saturday of the session. Instructors will have planning support leading up to the session and during the session from PTY’s Director of Academics and/or PTY’s Head of Teaching and Learning (7-12).

    Learn More About VSA

    Perks:

    Your summer includes:  

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced middle and high school students. 
    • 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 included.   

    Expectations:

    • Carefully design and teach an academically rigorous and engaging course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles. 
    • Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter based on the communicated deadline. 
    • Upload class information through Vanderbilt’s Learning Management System (Brightspace) so that students may access information during and after the course 
    • Plan daily meaningful out-of-class assignments to support students’ learning and understanding, if applicable. 
    • Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics and/or PTY’s Head of Teaching (7-12) and Learning to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction. 
    • Teach the group of students enrolled in class for the duration of the session.  
    • Complete evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of the course. 
    • Conduct a parent open house and/or parent conferences to showcase the course and students’ work, as applicable. 
    • Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from VSA 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 classroom 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

    Qualifications:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have content expertise. Current university faculty, staff, postdocs, or Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on degree/credentials, starting at $1500/week (a week is considered 5-days of instruction). 

    Program Dates and Times:*  

    • Required Virtual Training: TBA 
    • Required Onsite Training: TBA 
    • VSA Sessions operating June-July  
    • Standard hours of instruction are Monday through Friday, 9:00AMAM to 3:45PM; potential of some Saturdays, 9:00AM–12:00

    * Instructors may work one or multiple sessions. Dates and instructional times subject to change.  

    Click Here For the VSA Junior Instructor Job Description

  • Click Here For the VSA Junior Instructor Job Description

    Job Description:

    Vanderbilt Summer Academy is a summer residential program for academically advanced students in rising 7th through 12th grade. Students take classes taught by professors, PhD students, and content experts. The VSA course junior instructor is responsible for supporting a PTY instructor in developing a course that is appropriately challenging and engaging for students. Instructors teach a class to a particular age band: rising 7th and 8th; rising 9th and 10th; or rising 11th and 12th. Students take one course for a session and are typically in class Monday through Friday from approximately 8:45AM to 3:45PM. June sessions are one-week courses, while July sessions are a combination of one-week and two-week opportunities. The two-week session also includes a half-day of instruction (9:00AM to Noon) on the Saturday of the session.

    Learn More About VSA

    Perks:

    Your summer includes:  

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced middle and high school students. 
    • 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 included.   

    Expectations:

    • Support Instructors in the design and teaching of an academically rigorous and engaging course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles. 
    • Support Instructors in submitting lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter based on the communicated deadline. 
    • Assist the Instructor in uploading class information through Vanderbilt’s Learning Management System (Brightspace) so that students may access information during and after the course 
    • Support the planning of daily meaningful out-of-class assignments to support students’ learning and understanding, if applicable. 
    • Support the Instructor in completing evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of the course. 
    • Assist the Instructor in conducting a parent open house and/or parent conferences to showcase the course and students’ work, as applicable. 
    • Communicate effectively and efficiently with VSA staff, including responding to requests for information from VSA 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. 
    • 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

    Qualifications:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have content expertise. Current university faculty, staff, postdocs, or Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on degree/credentials, starting at $900/week (a week is considered 5-days of instruction). 

    Program Dates and Times:*  

    • Required Virtual Training: TBA 
    • Required Onsite Training: TBA 
    • VSA Sessions operating June-July  
    • Standard hours of instruction are Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 3:45PM; potential of some Saturdays, 9:00AM–12:00

    * Junior Instructors may work one or multiple sessions. Dates and instructional times subject to change.  

Virtual Opportunities

Mentor Immersion (Virtual Program)

PTY’s mentorship program is a unique experience offering in-depth exposure in a field of interest and the potential for a culminating product to be created with expert feedback. During the academic year, the Mentor Immersion virtual program runs for four months and is offered specifically for 10th through 12th grade students. During the summer, the Mentor Immersion virtual program is condensed into a three-month experience offering the same amount of content on an abbreviated timeline.

  • Click Here For the Mentor Immersion Job Description

    Job Description:

    Mentor Immersion is a virtual program for academically advanced students in 10th through 12th grade. Mentorships meet online weekly for 3-5 months. Mentors (instructors) are typically professors, PhD students, postdocs, VU staff, and/or content experts. The mentor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY mentorship that is appropriately challenging and engaging for students. Students take one mentorship for a session. Sessions occur in the fall, spring, and summer. Fall and spring mentorships meet once a week for 2.5 hours for 4-5 months. Summer mentorships meet twice a week for two hours (total of 4 hours per week) for approximately 3 months. The mentor also hosts a one-hour office hour each week for students. Mentors teach for one session (season) with the possibility of teaching additional sessions. Approximately 8-10 students are assigned to a mentor. Mentors will have instructional support leading up to the session and during the session from PTY’s Director of Academics.

    Learn More About Mentor Immersion 

    Perks:

    Your experience includes:  

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced high school students.  
    • Adding a unique experience to your resume. 
    • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
    • Receiving competitive compensation.  

    Expectations:

    • Carefully design and teach an academically rigorous and engaging mentorship course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles. 
    • Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter based on the communicated deadline. 
    • Build a comprehensive course platform within Vanderbilt’s Learning Management System that students use throughout the virtual course. 
    • Plan daily meaningful out-of-class assignments to support students’ learning and understanding. 
    • Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction. 
    • Teach students virtually every week for the duration of the session  
    • Complete evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of the mentorship. 
    • Conduct a parent open house and/or parent conferences to showcase the course and students’ work, as applicable. 
    • Communicate effectively and efficiently with PTY staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
    • Collaborate with a teaching assistant to support classroom instruction and dynamics. 
    • Understand and implement policies and procedures related to the 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. 

    Qualifications:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have content expertise. Current university faculty, staff, postdocs, or Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on number of students in each mentorship course, $3000 – $3750

    Program Dates and Times:*

    • Mentor opportunities available seasonally for mentorships that meet in the Fall (August to December), Spring (January to May), and Summer (2 Cohort Options: May to August and June to September).

    * Mentors may teach during one or more seasons/sessions.

Rising Experts: Mini Mentor Immersion (Virtual Program)

Rising Experts is a unique virtual experience designed specifically for 7th through 9th grade students. The program pairs approximately 10 students with a mentor/content expert in a field. This program offers students early exposure to the content of a field, related career path information, and the opportunity to complete a small project associated with the field. This project provides an introduction to the work associated with the interest area. Small mentor group sizes allow for more personalized experiences. Each Rising Experts mini mentorship meets live and online for 4 hours a week (two hours twice a week) for a month

  • Click Here For the Rising Experts: Mini Mentor Immersion Job Description

    Job Description:

    Rising Experts: Mini Mentor is a virtual program for academically advanced students in 10th through 12th grade. Mentorships meet online twice weekly for approximately one month. Mentors (instructors) are typically professors, PhD students, postdocs, VU staff, and/or content experts. The mentor is responsible for designing and executing a PTY mini mentorship that is appropriately challenging and engaging for students. Students take one mini mentorship for a session. Mini mentorships meet twice a week for 2 hours each meeting. The mentor also hosts a one-hour office hour each week for students. Mentors teach for one session (season) with the possibility of teaching additional sessions. Approximately 8-10 students are assigned to a mentor. Mentors will have instructional support leading up to the session and during the session from PTY’s Director of Academics.

    Learn More About Mentor Immersion 

    Perks:

    Your experience includes:  

    • Making a difference through investing in the lives of advanced high school students.  
    • Adding a unique experience to your resume. 
    • Joining a team of dedicated staff who are passionate about developing talent in gifted and advanced students.   
    • Receiving competitive compensation.  

    Expectations:

    • Carefully design an academically rigorous and engaging mini mentorship course that appeals to advanced students with a variety of learning styles. 
    • Submit lesson plans, materials lists, and a welcome letter based on the communicated deadline. 
    • Build a comprehensive course platform within Vanderbilt’s Learning Management System that students use throughout the virtual course. 
    • Plan daily meaningful out-of-class assignments to support students’ learning and understanding. 
    • Meet, as requested, with PTY’s Director of Academics to discuss future plans or to reflect on current instruction. 
    • Teach students virtually every week for the duration of the session  
    • Complete evaluations (rubrics) on all students in the class by the deadline communicated following the conclusion of the mentorship. 
    • Write weekly blog posts to share with families on the PTY website
    • Communicate effectively and efficiently with PTY staff, including responding to requests for information from PTY staff in a timely manner. 
    • Collaborate with a teaching assistant to support classroom instruction and dynamics. 
    • Understand and implement policies and procedures related to the 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. 

    Qualifications:

    Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have content expertise. Current university faculty, staff, postdocs, or Ph.D. students preferred. Applicants both internal and external to Vanderbilt are welcome to express interest. PTY offers a variety of courses in STEM and humanities, and so we seek applicants from a broad range of disciplines. Teaching experience and/or experience working with advanced students is a plus.  

    Compensation:

    Based on number of students in each mentorship course, $3000 – $3750

    Program Dates and Times:*

    • Mentor opportunities available seasonally for mentorships that meet in the Fall (August to December), Spring (January to May), and Summer (2 Cohort Options: May to August and June to September).

    * Mentors may teach during one or more seasons/sessions.