College & Career Readiness Instructor, Thunder Fellows (Contract)

About The Program

Thunder Fellows, developed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), is a free, high-impact college and career readiness program committed to expanding opportunities for Tulsa-area high school and Oklahoma-area college students. Beyond any single workshop or experience, the program is designed to help shape the future of Oklahoma’s next generation by creating access, building confidence, and preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and direct exposure to industry professionals, Thunder Fellows empowers students to develop real-world skills, expand their networks, and realize their full potential.

Position Overview

Thunder Fellows is seeking experienced and dedicated instructors who are committed to workforce development and expanding opportunities for youth across Oklahoma. This role will lead College & Career Readiness instruction through engaging, hands-on learning experiences that help.

Key Focus Areas

• Facilitate college planning workshops focused on essay writing, course selection, admissions preparation, and scholarship applications.
• Guide students through capstone project development and presentations that showcase their academic and personal growth.
• Coach students in self-advocacy, goal setting, and time management to build academic confidence and self-determination.
• Teach practical skills including leadership, professional communication, and workplace etiquette.
• Prepare students for internships and career opportunities through resume development, mock interviews, and career exploration.
• Lead hands-on technical skills labs and help students develop data driven-projects, including data analysis and visualization.
• Support students in building real-world, data-driven projects and portfolios.
• Stay up to date on trends and industry use cases to enhance curriculum relevance.

Instructional Schedule & Format

The instructor will engage approximately 40–50 Fellows per semester across two primary age groups:

• High School (Juniors and Seniors): Up to two back-to-back, one-hour in-person classes on weekday evenings (Monday–Thursday, typically between 5:30–7:30 pm).
• College Undergraduates: Up to two virtual classes per evening, once per week, with each class lasting approximately 90 minutes (typically scheduled between 2:00–8:00 pm on weekdays). One in-person session per month, with occasional Saturday sessions as needed.

Estimated Time Commitment

Approximately 15–20 hours per week, including class preparation and instruction time.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or teaching certification preferred.
• Experience teaching or mentoring high school or college students, especially those from historically underserved communities.
• Strong classroom facilitation skills with the ability to lead engaging and interactive instruction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and familiarity with relevant technical platforms and tools.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, youth development, and community-based learning.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and occasional weekends.

Additional Details

This is a part-time, contract-based role. The selected instructor will collaborate with the Education Specialist, Thunder Fellows to align instructional content and support program delivery objectives. Compensation is provided as a fixed amount per semester, disbursed monthly during the active program period and based on completion of agreed-upon services. The contract requires evening instruction and occasional weekend engagements, depending on program scheduling. Primary work location is in the historic Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for occasional local travel.

The Thunder recognizes that teams with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills make a stronger company. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Thunder organization considers applicants fairly on the basis of qualifications, experience and business needs and provides equal opportunity regardless of race, color, age, sex, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, religion, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Applicants are considered regardless of past legal system involvement, based upon the needs of the role, nature of and recency of legal history.

The Thunder is committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and contractors through its RAVE culture – Respect and Value Everyone.