Interdisciplinary Science Mentor (Environmental & Life Sciences)

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a bold opportunity unlike anything else in New York City independent schools. Since launching in 2017, enrollment in the MLS has increased steadily each year and will exceed 100 students in 2026-2027. As we continue to build on the success of the MLS, we maintain our entrepreneurial soul and welcome innovative thinkers to join us. 

MLS faculty are experienced educators with a broad range of knowledge, skills and life experiences. They are intellectually curious mentors who enjoy connecting ideas across disciplines and guiding students through open-ended inquiry. 

In this role, you will guide students as they spend 50% of their day in a collaborative, open work environment. As a MLS faculty member, your main responsibilities will include: 

1. acting as a project sponsor, strategizing with students and providing feedback on their work
2. working as a life-coach, helping students reflect on their progress and navigate their personal learning journey 

You will also collaborate with a small team of MLS colleagues to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Our team is dedicated to research-driven practices and is passionate about advancing a program that is building the future of education.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

We are looking for an intellectually curious educator, a polymath at heart, with a passion for Environmental and Life Sciences, who enjoys learning alongside students and exploring connections across disciplines.

As a Mastery Learning System faculty member, you will:

• Sponsor individual and group project work, helping students navigate the space between where they are and where they want to be
• Conduct regular one-on-one (O3) and MLS house meetings, tracking individual student progress over time
• Mentor students as they pursue ambitious interdisciplinary projects spanning science, humanities, technology, and the arts
• Guide students through cycles of inquiry, critique, revision and reflection
• Provide thoughtful feedback to students on their work in a timely manner 
• Evaluate student final projects in alignment with their project proposal and their learning in the associated Avenues World Elements
• Collaborate with your MLS colleagues, contributing to the development of the MLS program and to related Mastery experiences at the school

Qualifications

WHO YOU ARE

We welcome applicants with a background in Environmental and Life Sciences whose academic and/or professional paths cross other disciplines–including those who have worked in research, design, entrepreneurship, media and other creative fields.  

At the core, we are looking for:

• A polymath who values autonomy as a key driver of student motivation and learning
• A life-long learner with a background in Environmental and Life Sciences who is intensely curious about the world
• A coach who successfully builds and fosters positive relationships with students
• An experienced educator (or a person with commensurate teaching/coaching experiences) who has fallen in love with the science and art of teaching
• A reliable team player who thrives in a collaborative environment and who takes responsibility for their work
• An individual who is comfortable with ambiguity and flexible in adapting to new challenges and ideas
• A calculated risk-taker who is exhilarated by trying new experiences and testing out new ideas

Additional Information

If hired for this position, the annual salary range for this position is between $72,000 - $112,433. The salary may vary depending on your experience level and skills. Competitive benefits for benefits eligible roles include medical, dental, life insurance, 401K savings plan, generous paid time off, family forming benefits, health and wellness benefits and more.

Avenues is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our organization. We strive to uphold a culture in which every colleague feels that they belong, are trusted, and are valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities or groups to apply. Avenues offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package. 

Avenues upholds the highest standards for safeguarding the physical and emotional wellbeing of children. As an essential aspect of this commitment, all offers are contingent upon successful completion of careful reference and background checks.