College & Career Readiness Instructor (Part-Time, Contract), Thunder Fellows

Description

About the Program

Thunder Fellows is a transformative youth development program based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, designed to unlock new opportunities in sports, entertainment, and technology for Black high school and college students. Powered by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the program equips students with essential skills in data science, leadership, and career readiness through hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional exposure. Rooted in the legacy of Black Wall Street, Thunder Fellows is committed to bridging the gap between potential and access, preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in competitive industries.

Position Overview

Thunder Fellows is seeking an experienced and dedicated instructor – with a passion for workforce development and advancing opportunities for youth across Oklahoma – to lead College & Career Readiness instruction. This role supports curriculum delivery and student development, ensuring participants build technical skills, confidence, and real-world readiness through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.

Key Focus Areas

• Facilitate college planning workshops on essay writing, course selection, admissions prep, 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 such as budgeting, professional communication, and workplace etiquette.
• Prepare students for internships and job opportunities through resume development, mock interviews, and career exploration.
  
  

Instructional Schedule & Format

• The instructor will engage approximately 40-45 Fellows per semester across two primary age groups:
• High School (Juniors and Seniors)
• Up to two back-to-back, 1-hour in-person classes primarily on weekday evenings (Monday-Thursday, 5:30-7:30 PM).
• College Undergraduates
• Up to two virtual classes per month (60-90 minutes) typically on Fridays between 2:00 and 8:00 PM.
• One in-person session per month; occasional Saturdays as needed.
• Estimated Time Commitment
• Approximately 12-20 hours per week, including prep and instruction.

In This Role, You Will:

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate instruction through interactive lessons, group activities, and project-based assignments to both high school and college students.
• Build trusting relationships with students by fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, serving as both an educator and mentor.
• Prepare and adapt curriculum to meet diverse learning needs and experience levels across high school and college students.
• Monitor and track student attendance, engagement, and performance, providing timely feedback and individualized support to maximize learning outcomes.
• Collaborate with program staff to support guest speakers, enrichment experiences, and capstone preparation.
• Guide students through final projects, internships, and postsecondary planning, with an emphasis on professional skill development.
• Incorporate culturally responsive teaching and mentoring practices to promote growth mindset, academic confidence, and leadership.
• Contribute to curriculum refinement, participate in meetings, and support ongoing program design efforts as requested.
• Utilize appropriate resources, including textbooks, online tools and software, to enhance technical instruction and learning experiences.
• Teach the equivalent of three classes per semester: two high school sections and one college section.
• Be responsible for content preparation and delivery, administering formative and summative assessments, tracking performance data, conducting makeup classes, and holding select office hours as needed.
• May take on additional related assignments as agreed upon.
  
  

What You Bring:

• 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.
• Excellent classroom facilitation skills and ability to lead dynamic, interactive instruction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); technical tools depending on track.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity in education, youth development, and community-based learning.
• Flexible availability including evenings and occasional weekends.
  
  

Additional Details:

This is a part-time, contract-based role. The instructor will collaborate with the Education Specialist, Thunder Fellows to align instructional content and program delivery. 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. Some local travel may be needed, requiring a valid driver's license, sound driving record and reliable transportation.

At the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oklahoma City Blue we value diversity, equity and inclusion, and we know that teams with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills make a stronger company. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we consider applicants fairly on the basis of qualifications, experience and business needs and provide equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status. We also consider applicants regardless of past legal system involvement, considering the needs of the role, nature of and recency of legal history. We are committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees through our culture of RAVE – Respect and Value Everyone.