AoPS knows the impact of an incredible teacher on our students' potential. Especially for tough concepts. Especially for students who might not fit a traditional classroom. AoPS Academy knows the value of challenges to build creative problem solvers.

AoPS Academy brings the AoPS approach to local neighborhoods, fostering communities of motivated problem solvers around advanced math and language arts programs. And our teachers are a core pillar of this community, exploring concepts and acting as mentors to cohorts of bright students in grades 1–12. Our teachers are as passionate and curious as our students. They remember what it was like to face new challenges, what strategies worked as they struggled through to a solution, and want to help train the next generation of problem solvers.

How an AoPS Academy Classroom is Different

"Teaching at AoPS means balancing structure with spontaneity."

For AoPS Academy instructors, a typical lesson starts about fifteen minutes before the class start time. Our instructors come in early to greet their classes, answer homework questions, or just chat with the students. Our classes are small, with 16 students or less per classroom — no one gets lost in a crowd. 

A Typical Problem Discussion

Our math and language arts instructors treat the classroom as a conversation. For example, take this word problem from our Algebra 1 course:

Bronze is a mixture of copper and tin. A typical composition is 88% copper. How much tin would I need to combine with 220 kg of copper if I want to use up all my copper making bronze?

Where do we start?

"What variable should we define?" the instructor asks the class.

It's early in the class, so there isn't a wave of hands just yet. Some students are shifting in their seats, staring down at their desks.

"We should figure out how much bronze is made with 220 kilograms of copper,"  suggests a brave volunteer. 

“That’s an excellent idea. How could we figure that out?”

“By finding the amount of tin, in kilograms, that is used.”

"Great! So, what quantity should we assign a variable for?"

"The amount of tin!" choruses a couple new voices — they are starting to get in the swing of things. The instructor writes 't' on the board. 

"How much tin is there compared to copper? How do we find that number?"

Another hand comes up. "There's 88% copper. So for the mixture to become bronze, then 12% needs to be tin."

"Why is that?'

"That's 100 minus 88," explains another student. "So it has to be 12."

"Great! How would we show that ratio of tin to copper? How should we write that out?"

One student offers "like a fraction!" Another student continues the thought with “there are 12 parts tin to 88 parts copper.”

“Knowing that, what equation can we set up with our variable t?” The instructor wonders. 

And so on, the teacher guides the students with leading questions to prompt active discussion. The teacher does not supply answers, nor does the teacher say anything that a student could otherwise say. 

But sometimes, there will be other questions.

One student wants a clarification: "What's the difference between a ratio and a fraction?"

Another wonders, "Can we set up the equation like 12/100 = t/(220+t) instead?" (Yes.)

And so on. For each question that a student asks, the instructor turns to the class to supply the answers. AoPS students do the heavy lifting, and AoPS teachers are the conductors for the orchestra of knowledge inside the classroom.

AoPS Students Lead the Problem Solving Process

A conversation is a branching path. Even when there is an end goal for the lesson, our motivated math and language arts students want to know more. 

AoPS Academy classes are designed to challenge students who have not been challenged before. Therefore, AoPS instructors are not just lecturers — an excellent AoPS Academy teacher lets students productively struggle in order to help them build resilience and independence as they work toward an answer. Our instructors are not omniscient beings who fill passive minds with facts and formulas — they facilitate their students' problem solving discussions by offering guidance and support to reach their end goal, not just issue rote instructions. In other words: the teacher's role is to be a lighthouse, not a lifeboat.

The classroom is a space where students make mistakes. Our teachers are comfortable with students making mistakes and helping them understand, learn, and move on. Perfection is not the creed — learning is. 

Our advanced math and language arts teachers know their students, they know when to pivot off the curriculum to answer an interesting new question, and when to stay on track.

How AoPS Supports Teachers

"Teaching highly motivated students is the most rewarding experience, matched only by working among dedicated, down-to-earth professionals."

Since 1993, AoPS has explored the most effective pedagogical methods for teaching advanced concepts to top students. In addition to the skills to connect with bright students and manage a classroom setting, the goal is to be prepared. AoPS advanced math and language arts teachers have access to full enrichment curriculum programs to help deliver successful lessons every week. As long as instructors have a couple of hours in the week, the notes will give them a strong foundation to start every lesson with their students. 

In addition to our world-class curriculum, campus directors will observe classes and can offer tips to help our teachers build strong classroom skills. And depending on the campus, AoPS Academy instructors can potentially access additional professional development sessions and other options for growing in this role.

In addition to teaching resources, part-time instructors also accrue paid sick leave to use when they need it and have the option to contribute to a 401k retirement plan with company matching.

Bonus: Help Develop AoPS Curriculum

In addition, our Academics department is always interested in hearing feedback about our curriculum. We encourage discussing lesson plans — how they went, what worked, and what didn't. We want to build lessons that grow a love of learning, and we want to learn more about our teachers' experiences.

What AoPS Looks for in Teaching Candidates

Just like how AoPS students might not all look the same in traditional classrooms, AoPS instructors do not look the same, either. 

While teaching credentials are not required for our part-time roles, we expect all candidates to have completed at least a Bachelor's degree, and many of our instructors are passionate about their subjects, and have obtained Masters and PhDs in their respective fields. Also key: teaching experience with students in K–12. Strong communication skills — especially strong writing skills — are also prioritized.

Instructors have the flexibility to choose how many courses will work with their academic year schedule. Whether you're a seasoned educator looking for a new challenge, a STEM professional hoping to give back through teaching, or exploring a new passion, teaching at AoPS Academy might be the right fit for you.

What Steps You Can Take to Join the AoPS Teaching Community

For potential instructors, they can contact our team any time at jobs@artofproblemsolving.com. The AoPS team will also be holding a webinar to discuss how to become a part-time instructor at one of our AoPS Academy campuses. 

Title: Curious About Teaching at AoPS Academy?

Date: Thursday, July 10th

Time: 7:00 pm ET (4:00 pm PT)

How to Register: RSVP today.

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