About (HS)²
The High School High Scholar Program (HS)² is a five-week, residential, STEM-focused summer academic program at Colorado Rocky Mountain School designed to prepare high-achieving, first-generation and/or low-income high school students for college success. Scholars live on campus, complete rigorous coursework, and develop the academic, social, and independent living skills needed to thrive in higher education.

Position Overview
The (HS)² Biology instructor works with rising tenth-grade students during the five-week residential summer program. Students enter the course with varied levels of prior exposure to biology, and the curriculum is designed to be accessible, engaging, and rooted in hands-on learning. 

The course emphasizes foundational biological concepts while drawing on the local ecology to bring content to life. Past courses have incorporated field experiences such as river sampling, visits to local farms, and other place-based investigations. The class is ideally highly engaging and project-based, allowing students to explore biology through real-world questions and collaborative inquiry.

Instructors may build on existing curricular materials or design an innovative five-week biology course that feels distinct from a traditional year-long classroom experience. Curricular support is available for those who would like it.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach one or two courses meeting 110 minutes per day, Monday through Friday
• Design engaging, rigorous, and student-centered curriculum appropriate for high-achieving high school students
• Support students during evening study hall two nights per week
• Chaperone one off-campus trip and one off-campus social event
• Mentor and collaborate with a Teaching Assistant, when assigned
• Participate in faculty training and collaborate closely with program leadership

Qualifications
Strong candidates bring significant teaching experience, deep content knowledge in one of the (HS)² subject areas, and a genuine enthusiasm for working with high school students in an intensive residential setting. Ideal candidates will:

• Have experience teaching high school or college-level coursework
• Demonstrate strong classroom management and student engagement skills
• Be comfortable teaching in a fast-paced, immersive environment
• Value collaboration and contribute positively to a close-knit faculty team
• Bring an equity-minded, student-centered approach to teaching

Compensation & Dates

• Compensation: $2,750–$5,500, based on the number of courses taught and commensurate with experience
• Housing and all meals are provided
• Faculty Dates: June 18 – July 26
• Student Program: June 22 – July 25

Application Process
Applicants should complete the Teacher Application Form by March 15. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Selected candidates will be contacted via email to schedule an interview, typically conducted via Zoom.

Questions may be directed to Annie Oppenheim, Program Director.

About Colorado Rocky Mountain School

The Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) is a college-preparatory independent high school located thirty miles northwest of Aspen in the mountains of western Colorado. CRMS’s average enrollment is 175 students in grades 9-12 from various countries. Key to the underpinnings of our progressive and experiential program is close faculty-student relationships and a skill-based academic curriculum balanced with outdoor activities that challenge young people to develop skills, judgment, responsibility, as well as a service ethic. Also significant are tasks related to daily life and the well being of the community. Our balanced curriculum of rigorous college-preparatory courses, wilderness education, and service learning, all in a residential setting, allows students to cultivate academic excellence, critical thinking, and community-mindedness.

Connections working at Colorado Rocky Mountain School