Pre-College Instructor, Introduction to AI: Search Algorithms (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
This course is intended for students with a strong programming background, including comfort in applying object-oriented programming and recursion to solve problems. Students will start with the history of artificial intelligence and progress to focus on more powerful, classical techniques. Optimization and probabilistic strategies are explored so as to demonstrate tradeoffs between different types of search strategies. Several well-known problems—such as N-Queens, Knapsack, Post correspondence, and Chess—may be considered. Participants are expected to complete challenging and thought-provoking assignments using the techniques taught in class as well as their prerequisite knowledge. The end goal of the course is for each student to be able to build functioning programs in Python and Java.

Student computers can be either Mac or PC, but should have at least 10GB of free space.

Course Schedule
Session A: June 29th to July 17th - 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 (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