Pre-College Instructor, Foundations of Early Childhood Development (On-Campus), Summer 2026

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for high school students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’26. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude.

For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.

Course Description
How do young children learn to communicate, form relationships, or even understand the world around them? In this course, students explore the fascinating journey of early childhood development—from the first smile to the first steps, and beyond. Designed for students interested in education, psychology, social work, or related fields, this course provides a deeper understanding of how children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively during their first formative years.

Through a blend of key developmental theories and practical insights, we’ll look at how early experiences shape a child’s future. How do family, culture, and society influence development? Why are attachment and emotional regulation so crucial for children’s well-being? We’ll dive into these questions while exploring milestones from infancy through toddlerhood, the importance of language, and how social interactions foster emotional growth. Students will also gain a broad overview of the American educational system and how it has evolved to support young learners. By the end of the course, students will not only understand the key principles of child development but also how to apply this knowledge to create supportive, nurturing environments in classrooms, clinics, and beyond.

Whether students are interested in becoming an educator, psychologist, social worker, or simply want to understand more about the growth of children, this course will equip them with the tools needed to support healthy development and positive outcomes for kids.

Course Schedule(s)
Session A: June 29 - July 17 -- 9:10 - 11:00am & 1:10 - 3:00pm
Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm

Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations

• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips 

• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population

• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends

• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (typical class size is 20-24 students)

• Attend and complete all required online trainings

Qualifications

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Additional Information

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Session A & B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000

Please specify which session(s) you would be interested in teaching in the Message to Hiring Manager field.  

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)

• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching

• Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.

• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran