Humanities Instructor Positions

Information for Prospective Instructors

CTYOnline seeks part-time instructors to work from home. Please read the general information on this page, then follow links to specific applications.

Application Pages

A Brief History

CTYOnline's Humanities group was formerly the Expository Writing Tutorial (EWT) and Young Students Writing Tutorial (YWT). The EWT began in 1983 with assistance from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The YWT began 10 years later to serve students younger than 7th-grade age.

In 1997, we merged the programs as part of CTYOnline. More recently, with the introduction of Language Arts (Grammar Matters, Art Meets Science, and Critical Reading courses) and Music, the Writing Program has begun growing into a Humanities Program. More than 35,000 students worldwide have taken part in this unique experience.

How The Courses Work

For Writing courses, instructors comment on students' writing, noting what works and what needs work, mixing praise with constructive criticism. Students apply these extensive comments to their next assignment. Students and instructors also carry on a meta-cognitive conversation about writing and the experience of writing. The work is done in three formats: email,  web-based, and flexi-paced. Frequency of contact varies from about bi-weekly (email) to daily (web-based) to extended periods of silence (flexi-paced).

In Grammar courses, the focus of Building Blocks and From Structure to Style is on meta-cognitive discussions regarding how grammar affects writing. Since some assignments require substantive grammatical changes that may not improve the prose, the quality of the writing is less important than the quality of the thinking about writing. Grammar Fundamentals covers a broad range of topics to meet current middle-school grammar standards and reinforces lessons with online grammar games, puzzles, and tests. All courses are web-based format with frequent contact (no less than every other day).

For the Critical Reading courses, discussion of the readings is the primary focus. Instructors act as guides on the side. Students produce a short creative writing assignment. All courses are web-based with frequent contact (no less than every other day).

Students do not receive grades unless especially requested by parents or schools. Instead, instructors write a one-page evaluation of each student's progress at the end of the course.

Term lengths for students:

• Writing Series -- 20 weeks (academic year), 12 weeks (early summer session),  6 weeks (Intensive Midsummer), up to 9 months (flexi-paced).
  
• Language Arts  -- 10 weeks (academic year), 12 weeks (early summer session), and 5 weeks (Intensive Midsumer).
• AP Language and Composition -- 30 weeks (full academic year) and 12 weeks (intensive spring and summer session).

Time Commitment:

The instructor's time commitment varies with experience and course format. Only those able to consistenly commit time will be considered.

• Email -- Writing Series Only
  Typically, each student requires one hour per assignment every 10 to 14 days (academic year), every week (early summer), or per assignment (flexi-paced).  (See also Intensive Midsummer Session).
• Web-based -- Writing, Reading, Grammar
  Writing, Art Meets Science, Building Blocks, and From Structure to Style instructors should spend approximately one hour and 20 minutes per lesson per student spread over 10 to 14 days.
  Grammar Fundamentals and Young Readers' instructors should spend approximately 45 minutes per lesson per student, spread over a week (During the intensive summer session, instructors should expect to spend approximately 90 minutes per week per student). Instructors in this format are not responsible for creating lessons: these are provided.
• Special circumstances
  Our Intensive Midsummer Session is particularly demanding. This is also when many new hires work.
  Our Flexi-Paced courses start on a set date, but students develop with their instructor a schedule to complete the course within the next nine months. The schedule can be as short as 10 weeks or as long as all nine months.

Paychecks

Writing Series
Starting pay is $250 per student. During the academic year, the average load is 15 students. We recommend that new instructors request no more than the average load.

10-week Courses (Building Blocks, From Structure to Style, and  Art Meets Science)
Starting pay is $125 per student. During the academic year, the average load is 13 students, and the minimum is 7. We recommend that new instructors request no more than the average load.

10-week Courses (Grammar Fundamentals, Young Readers Series for Grades 2 & 3, and Young Readers Series for Grades 4 & 5)
Starting pay is $150 per student. During the academic year the average load is 12 students, and the minimum is 7. Grammar Fundamentals and Young Readers' instructors are expected to provide detailed individualized feedback to each student within three days after the end of each of the ten lessons, and so we recommend that new instructors request no more than the average load.

Instructors are paid bi-monthly, typically from two weeks after the course's start to two weeks after its end. JHU subtracts the usual Federal and state withholding and FICA. This position, just like all JHU casual positions, is a non-benefits bearing position.

Compare Intensive Midsummer Session paychecks.

How to Apply:

First, go to a specific application page and read the information there.

Application Pages

Second, go to  jobs.jhu.edu, login, and apply for the Requisition Number listed on the specific application page. If you wish to apply for more than one Requisition Number, you may do so without filling out a totally new JHU job application. At "Step 9 Attach a Resume" of the online application, attach the following documents

• A cover letter
• A current resume or vita
• Writing sample as specified on the application page for Writing, Grammar, or Reading. If you apply for more than one position, you must attach the writing sample for each position. You cannot be considered without the specified writing sample.

Note: If you have a complete application on file with CTY Summer Programs Employment, state so in your cover letter. We'll review those credentials with the above materials. However, because the hiring processes are entirely separate and different, you must upload the three documents.

Third, if we're interested we'll invite you for a phone interview. The volume of applications prevents us from replying to each applicant.

Fourth, if the interview goes well and we have a space for you, we'll offer you a position.

If you have any questions about these requirements, email writingadmin@jhu.edu or phone (410) 735-6140.

Employment Process

We hire the majority of our instructors during late spring, and those instructors typically work during our summer sessions. To be included in the first round of consideration, it is best to get your complete application to us by March 15. We occasionally hire at other times and will keep all applications on file in case other hiring needs arise. You will be notified of a decision on a rolling basis. A criminal background check is part of our employment process.

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