Curriculum Developer, Programming

About the role

BEAM Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) creates pathways for students from low-income, low-access backgrounds to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists. We provide BEAM students the same access to high-quality preparation in STEM as their more affluent peers, and we invest deeply in our students' success, with programming from middle school through college graduation focused on joyous, exciting, and rigorous mathematics, building vibrant communities, and supporting students in key life transitions such as college admissions and financial aid.

BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 450+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches around 1000 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work.

Description of the position

In Fall 2026, we're launching an ambitious revisioning of our 9th grade programming centered on the opportunity for our 9th grade students to declare majors. Each major will allow students to go deeper and more in-depth on a topic that school does not cover. Engaging, authentic classes will build towards a capstone project in 11th grade which will be a significant piece of work in the field. Thus, they'll be able to develop independence in their studies, and to experience what it "really feels like" to engage with cutting-edge work.

During 8th grade, students will take two courses to prepare them for success in the majors. One course will be based in enrichment mathematics (such as combinatorics, number theory, etc.), bringing together foundational problem solving and reasoning skills for students. The second course will be in programming, which is likely to be relevant across the different majors.

We expect this project to run from September 2026 through April 2027. During that time, the role is structured as a part-time role (estimated 13–17 hours/week) that can fit around other obligations, providing considerable flexibility to make your own hours (within certain requirements; see below).

Description of the team/dept

The team of part-time curriculum developers will be part of BEAM's Curriculum and Design Team. That team has two full-time staff members: a Manager, Curriculum & Design, and a Coordinator, Curriculum & Design. Both will work to support the design of outstanding materials that can be implemented across BEAM's programs. Although each course design will be led by one developer, this is a highly collaborative role and you will be part of a team of designers including two 8th grade courses and three high school majors. The team will meet weekly over video for group brainstorming and collective problem solving. There may be opportunities for in-person gatherings and working together as well. The rest of the Curriculum & Design Team, as well as BEAM's Founder and CEO, will be part of the design process and support with brainstorming and refining ideas to help them succeed. Additionally, you will work with and support another teacher directly implementing the materials in their first launch (in the other city of NYC and LA).

Curriculum to be developed

This role is being hired to develop an 8th grade programming course. That course is designed to engage students with programming at a deep level, preparing students for programming projects as part of their future major while also building excitement and fun around solving interesting computer science problems. It's an opportunity for students to see the potential power of computer-based approaches to problem solving and to leverage a new tool to greatly increase what they can accomplish.

Supervision

Each curriculum developer will be supervised by the Manager, Curriculum and Design, who will also review work and support developing materials that can be implemented by multiple instructors. The team will also work directly with the Founder & CEO, to support the design of exceptional materials that align with BEAM's vision and goals.

Key responsibilities

• Curriculum Writing (65%): Develop learning goals and the overall topic and arc of the class
  Outline the full course
  Develop all course materials so that the courses can be successfully implemented by program instructors
  Revise materials based on the first run and feedback from instructors

• Teaching and Observations (15%): Directly teach the class in its initial launch
  Observe other instructors teaching the class and debrief with them to incorporate feedback

• Supporting Instruction (10%): Determine hiring needs for instructors, and support hiring
  Provide guidance and support to instructors implementing the course material

• Other work as needed to support the successful launch of our new academic programming (10%):

Physical demands

This work primarily involves typing at a computer. In addition, it involves teaching classes which may involve considerable standing and walking.

Qualifications

• Knowledge: Strong knowledge of computer science at an advanced undergraduate or graduate level, including more mathematical topics such as algorithms and data structures.
  Experience solving mathematical problems such as analyzing data sets or Project Euler-style problems.
  Knowledge of practices of enrichment teaching and different activities and classroom approaches that are effective for teaching in enrichment contexts.

• Skills and Abilities: Strong pedagogical skills, especially for teaching middle school students.
  Able to develop exciting and engaging classes that support both rigor and depth.
  Examples of skills include: designing courses that structure material well for students to learn at a deep level, creating activities that promote active and deeper thinking in a classroom, and structuring classes to have a compelling arc and story to them.
  Exceptional writing skills.
  Able to state and write solutions for problems with precise language and in ways that are engaging and energizing.
  Able to create clear and compelling materials for other instructors, with clear course goals and lesson plans.
  The ability to plan towards a goal and implement independently.
  Good at tracking larger projects and completing them on-time.
  Strong collaboration skills.

• Experience: At least three years of teaching experience, preferably in contexts outside of the school curriculum.
  At least one prior experience creating a course independently rather than teaching from a prescribed curriculum.
  Experience working in programs that promote educational equity or teaching students from historically marginalized backgrounds.
  A strong understanding of diverse student backgrounds and needs, and how to design systems to thoughtfully support student needs.
  Specific knowledge of the barriers that low-income and minority students may encounter.
  Experience with educational enrichment programs that support students to do more advanced work, especially at the middle school level.
  Experience with programming in professional contexts, so that materials can be designed in a way that ties in to industry best practices.
  Experience writing curriculum for other instructors to use.
  Experience with STEM education and opportunities at the collegiate level or beyond, e.g. earned degrees, teaching, etc.