Program Instructors deliver our exciting programs in Washington, D.C. by teaching and leading diverse groups of students from schools nationwide through our structured civic-education curriculum. Program Instructors instill students with an understanding that a healthy democracy is absolutely dependent on an informed and engaged citizenry. Instructors teach lessons focusing on central questions of democracy such as the proper size and role of government, as well as workshops on controversial public policy issues. Instructors utilize the city of Washington, D.C. as their classroom and educate students using the many famous sites in our nation's capital. Instructors also facilitate large group activities such as a mock Congress, accompany students to meetings with elected representatives on Capitol Hill, and are constantly stimulating debate and civic dialogue. In addition to functioning as educators, Program Instructors help manage the total experience for students, many of whom are away from home for the first time.
Program Instructors generally work a 55-hour week, but the job is not a "typical" nine to five. The hours you work on any given week will mirror the program schedule you're working, with the days off usually consisting of Friday and Saturday. For example, if you are working on our flagship High School or Middle School programs, the schedule will run Sunday afternoon through Thursday night. Work days start between 7:15-8:45am and end around 10:00pm depending on the program.
We are also looking for Senior Program Instructors, please indicate your interest in your cover letter.
Qualifications:
(1) Must have a bachelor's degree (preferably in political science, history, education, social science or related field);
(2) be adept at working with diverse students in grades 6-12;
(3) be capable of keeping up with the intensity of the Program (early morning to late evening), hopping on and off buses throughout the day, preparing and leading daily program components, and coordinating the movement of a large group of students on all program activities in the Washington, DC area and other Program locations.
(1) Must have a bachelor's degree (preferably in political science, history, education, social science or related field);
(2) be adept at working with diverse students in grades 6-12;
(3) be capable of keeping up with the intensity of the Program (early morning to late evening), hopping on and off buses throughout the day, preparing and leading daily program components, and coordinating the movement of a large group of students on all program activities in the Washington, DC area and other Program locations.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the position and the hiring process:
• What are the characteristics of an ideal Program Instructor candidate?
We are looking for intelligent and enthusiastic individuals who desire to join us in our mission of informing, inspiring and empowering youth to become more effective citizens in our democracy. Program Instructors must have a bachelor's degree, solid content knowledge of the U.S. Government, an understanding of current events, the ability to connect with students in an academic setting, and a desire to use the District of Columbia as a classroom.
We are looking for intelligent and enthusiastic individuals who desire to join us in our mission of informing, inspiring and empowering youth to become more effective citizens in our democracy. Program Instructors must have a bachelor's degree, solid content knowledge of the U.S. Government, an understanding of current events, the ability to connect with students in an academic setting, and a desire to use the District of Columbia as a classroom.
• What training is provided?
We provide 3 weeks of paid training which encompasses our teaching methodology and the logistics of our program. This training will be followed up with weekly professional development sessions and regular coaching and observation from our professional training staff.
We provide 3 weeks of paid training which encompasses our teaching methodology and the logistics of our program. This training will be followed up with weekly professional development sessions and regular coaching and observation from our professional training staff.
• What are my hours like?
Program Instructors generally work a 55-hour week, but the job is not a "typical" nine to five. The hours you work on any given week will mirror the program schedule you're working, with the days off usually consisting of Friday and Saturday. For example, if you are working on our flagship high school or middle school programs, the schedule will run Sunday afternoon through Thursday night. Work days start between 7:15-8:45am and end around 10:00pm depending on the program.
Program Instructors generally work a 55-hour week, but the job is not a "typical" nine to five. The hours you work on any given week will mirror the program schedule you're working, with the days off usually consisting of Friday and Saturday. For example, if you are working on our flagship high school or middle school programs, the schedule will run Sunday afternoon through Thursday night. Work days start between 7:15-8:45am and end around 10:00pm depending on the program.
• Will I need a car?
No. Washington D.C. and the surrounding suburbs are very commuter friendly. Most of our hotels are located at or near subway and/or bus stops and there are pre-tax transportation benefit options available to help with your commute.
No. Washington D.C. and the surrounding suburbs are very commuter friendly. Most of our hotels are located at or near subway and/or bus stops and there are pre-tax transportation benefit options available to help with your commute.
• Are health benefits available?
Yes. Benefits start on day one of your employment with Close Up! We have an excellent dental and medical program. You are able to select either an HMO or PPO medical plan in addition to a dental insurance plan.
Yes. Benefits start on day one of your employment with Close Up! We have an excellent dental and medical program. You are able to select either an HMO or PPO medical plan in addition to a dental insurance plan.
• If I am new to the area, what housing assistance is provided?
After accepting the position we help match you with other instructors who are looking for roommates. Many Program Instructors also meet their roommates during training!
After accepting the position we help match you with other instructors who are looking for roommates. Many Program Instructors also meet their roommates during training!
• What types of programs do you offer?
In addition to our flagship high school and middle school programs, there are specially designed programs for certain communities and schools. These include programs for students who are American Indians, Pacific Islanders, or recent immigrants. We also offer a 2-day New York City program that includes an additional stipend for instructors.
In addition to our flagship high school and middle school programs, there are specially designed programs for certain communities and schools. These include programs for students who are American Indians, Pacific Islanders, or recent immigrants. We also offer a 2-day New York City program that includes an additional stipend for instructors.
• What are the students like?
In a word: amazing! Close Up high school and middle school students come from every U.S. state, a variety of American Indian tribes, and many U.S. territories. Students represent socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and political ideologies and are eager to learn from their peers, forming meaningful friendships and networks that span the country. Close Up participants have gone on to serve in some of our nation's most prestigious public and private institutions, including the White House, the U.S. Congress, and Fortune 500 companies – our alumni include eleven current members of Congress!
In a word: amazing! Close Up high school and middle school students come from every U.S. state, a variety of American Indian tribes, and many U.S. territories. Students represent socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and political ideologies and are eager to learn from their peers, forming meaningful friendships and networks that span the country. Close Up participants have gone on to serve in some of our nation's most prestigious public and private institutions, including the White House, the U.S. Congress, and Fortune 500 companies – our alumni include eleven current members of Congress!
• What are my colleagues like?
Each year, we bring together extremely motivated, intelligent, and caring individuals to work with our students! Program Instructors come from diverse backgrounds: political campaigns, law offices, public and charter schools, both undergraduate and graduate university programs, the Peace Corps, as well as Senate and House offices. You'll find that your fellow instructors will motivate and inspire you to perform your best. Instructors become close friends and remain so even after the season ends.
Each year, we bring together extremely motivated, intelligent, and caring individuals to work with our students! Program Instructors come from diverse backgrounds: political campaigns, law offices, public and charter schools, both undergraduate and graduate university programs, the Peace Corps, as well as Senate and House offices. You'll find that your fellow instructors will motivate and inspire you to perform your best. Instructors become close friends and remain so even after the season ends.
• What is the salary?
The salary is $570.00 a week. All of your meals on program are provided.
The salary is $570.00 a week. All of your meals on program are provided.
• If hired what are the contract dates?
Contracts generally run from January through June.
Contracts generally run from January through June.
• Where do Instructors go at the end of their contract?
Some of the best Program Instructors may apply to come back for another program season as returning or senior-level instructors. Others apply to stay with Close Up and support the mission through different positions within the Foundation.
Some of the best Program Instructors may apply to come back for another program season as returning or senior-level instructors. Others apply to stay with Close Up and support the mission through different positions within the Foundation.
The Program Instructor position is a demanding job, but one that will provide you with incredible growth. It is a great stepping-stone and our instructors go in a variety of directions at the end of their contracts. Many individuals head to the classroom with a new zest for teaching, some walk the halls of Congress as Hill staff members, and others go onto graduate school or various areas of the non-profit sector. We have a broad alumni network in Washington, DC and Close Up is well known amongst area employers. Working at Close Up is also a great way to network for future opportunities!
• What have previous instructors said about the job?
"The great thing about Close Up is that every day is exciting! I constantly learn new things from my students and colleagues and I work with people who share the same passion for our democracy that I do. My colleagues are a lot of fun!"– Madison K., Class of 2011
"The best thing about being a Program Instructor was seeing the immediate effect it had on students. Seeing their transformation over the week into informed and engaged citizens kept me excited and inspired to come to work every single day." – Nikki U., Class of 2013
Close Up is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.
How to apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to our Program Manager, Elisa Ferrara Gunduz at egunduz@closeup.org. Resumes without coverletters will not be considered.
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