Dawson Summer Initiative (DSI) is a free academic program for high-achieving, public school students in Boulder County offered through the Alexander Dawson Foundation. Middle school students apply to a five-week summer Thematic session. Once enrolled, these students have the option to attend our two-week Leadership session the following summer, and have access to academic advising throughout middle and high school.

 

DSI Mission Statement:

Dawson Summer Initiative is a unique, tuition-free program that provides enriching, intellectual opportunities for high-achieving public middle school students from Boulder County and surrounding areas. Committed to a dynamic and respectful environment, students meet and work collaboratively with similarly motivated and inquisitive peers, taking these lifetime experiences to high school and beyond. 

Professional Qualifications: 

  • Classroom teaching experience is required

  • Demonstrated success in project management and instruction

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Experience working with high-achieving students

  • Ability to include technology elements into all aspects of running summer sessions

  • Ability to successfully work in a fast-paced, five-week intensive environment

Personal Qualities:

  • Demonstrate enthusiasm for work with high-achieving middle school students

  • Collaborate and work positively with all DSI and Dawson School constituencies 

  • Demonstrate vision, flexibility, and creative thinking in the classroom

  • Demonstrate personal warmth and friendliness

  • Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters

  • Demonstrate interest in the latest research on pedagogy, technology, and learning

Duties:

  • Attendance from June 3-July 3, 2025, M-F, 8am-4:00pm

  • Report to Director of Dawson Summer Initiative, managing program instruction and curriculum as well as student project development and production 

  • Provide learning moments for scholars if and when situations arise

The salary range for this temporary non-exempt position is $10,200-$10,500 for the five-week summer session. Compensation is commensurate with experience and relevant skills. This position is available for Summer 2025, beginning on June 3, 2025 and ending July 3, 2025. This position is not eligible for benefits. Interested candidates please reach out to lmichael@dawsonschool.org.


Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

Acknowledgement

By my submission of my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to investigate any information, including my employment history, educational background, credit history and record of criminal convictions that it believes is relevant to my employment application.  My former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may provide information that they may have about me in response to inquiry from the employer. 

I understand that an offer of employment by the school is contingent upon obtaining reference information learned through the reference check process as well as upon the successful completion of a criminal history check. I understand that false information, omissions or misleading information or misrepresentations given in my application or during the interview process may result in a refusal to hire, or discharge in the event of employment. I understand that I shall be required to provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization for employment within the first three days of my employment. I understand that if employed, my employment will be at will and that I will not have a guarantee of employment. 

The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and shall treat all employees and all applicants for the employment equally and fairly based upon job related qualifications and in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.