Roles with Andover Summer

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are typically rising college seniors or recent college graduates who are interested in gaining direct experience with the sorts of teaching, coaching, and residential duties that comprise the life of a boarding school faculty member.

• To gain classroom experience, TAs are paired with experienced Mentor Teachers for the duration of the summer, collaborating closely to execute on the syllabus designed by the Mentor. Together, TAs and their Mentor Teachers are charged with ensuring that students in their classes have a challenging and academically rigorous summer experience, while also making learning incredibly fun. Project-based, hands-on, authentic learning experiences are encouraged, and TAs should be prepared to support their mentors in leading students through an intensive and highly engaging exploration of their chosen content. With the support of their mentors, TAs work towards planning and leading at least one complete lesson over the course of the summer, with most TAs assuming lead-teaching responsibilities by the end of the session.
• All TAs serve as coaches in our Afternoon Activities program, facilitating an activity (such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, dance, yoga, etc.) 3-4 times per week. TAs have the opportunity to express interest in particular activities as part of the onboarding process.
• Most TAs serve as House Counselors in student dormitories. In this capacity, they are charged with creating a safe, supportive living environment and ensuring the health and wellbeing of the students in their care. Dorm teams consist of 2-5 House Counselors (depending on the size of the dorm) who share residential responsibilities, rotating through evening dorm duties, facilitating dorm meetings and activities, coordinating dorm events, communicating with families, and providing care and support to students as needed.
• Most TAs serve as facilitators of weekly Connections groups: cross-program groupings of high school aged students which aim to break down barriers and help students make social connections through team building activities, discussion, and socializing.

For those interested in only the residential side of the work, without the teaching responsibilities, Andover Summer hires a set of Residential Assistants (RAs) to supervise the dorm and athletic activities without any additional teaching duties. RAs have substantially more free time and flexibility in the mornings and early afternoons, enabling them to focus on building strong and supportive relationships with students and fulfilling their residential responsibilities as house counselors with particular dedication and focus. Most RAs serve as coaches and as Connections facilitators, similar to the role of TAs, above.

Summer house counselors live in dorms, and work to ensure that students are safe, supported, well-known, and have fun. They coordinate all aspects of residential life for students, facilitate dorm meetings and activities, build community, and refer students to additional supports as needed. House counselors serve as the primary point people for families during the summer.

Coaches are responsible for creating and fostering a safe, enjoyable environment for all students enrolled in their activity; each activity meets three times per week. Coaches are attentive to safety and logistical considerations while also ensuring students are active and engaged each session. Coaches may be asked to design the activity’s games, drills, or exercises, and collaborate with others in the Athletic Department throughout the summer. Coaches also serve as another adult in students’ lives, building relationships and taking an active interest in their well-being and overall summer experience.