About the Case Method Institute
The Case Method Institute for Education and Democracy (originally the Case Method Project at Harvard Business School) is an independent nonprofit organization based in Cambridge, MA, dedicated to improving high school history and civics education in the United States. Under the leadership of Professor David Moss, the Institute works with high school teachers nationwide to bring the signature teaching approach of many leading professional schools—the case method—to U.S. history, government, and civics classrooms, enabling high school students to train for active citizenship in the same way professional school students train for leadership in business and law. The Institute provides teachers with both professional development in case method teaching and access to cases and teaching materials originally developed for Professor Moss’s Harvard College course, “History of American Democracy.” Through its partnerships with teachers, the Institute aims to significantly improve the educational experience of high school students through the case method’s focus on critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and engaged deliberation.
Position Summary & Qualifications
The Program Coordinator will work as part of the Institute’s Teacher Support Team, which serves as the primary point of contact for high school teachers as they learn to implement the case method and our case-based curriculum in their classrooms. The Program Coordinator is charged with developing authentic, productive relationships with a set of partner teachers over time and with facilitating a rich, two-way exchange of ideas to develop best practices for translating the case method to the high school environment. Key responsibilities include communicating with prospective new teachers, ensuring that partner teachers have what they need to succeed, collecting and assessing survey data from students and teachers, recommending improvements as teachers seek to deepen their impact, and serving as ambassadors for the Institute by developing and sustaining robust relationships with partner teachers. While this role is primarily focused on teacher partnerships, the Program Coordinator will also have opportunities to be involved in the Institute’s work across the organization, including teacher recruitment strategy and partnerships, communications, and data assessment and research.
This position is an exciting opportunity for someone with superb communication skills who is passionate about working in a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming high school teaching, enhancing student engagement and outcomes, and strengthening the democratic foundation of the country. We welcome applicants with an Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and also graduating seniors, preferably in history or a related field.
Key qualifications for this role include
- Passion for mission – demonstrates a deep commitment to the Institute’s mission to improve education and advance democracy, and evinces a profound respect for teachers and students
- Exemplary academic performance – excels in challenging academic environments with proven strength in written communication and attention to detail
- Content familiarity – knowledge of American history and government, and a willingness to learn more
- Teacher-centered – maintains a positive and approachable attitude, continually works to anticipate, understand, and respond to teacher needs, is responsive to feedback, and finds satisfaction in supporting and building relationships with others
- Communication – uses precise and effective written communication to present ideas
- Resourceful problem-solving – seeks out the information required to answer questions and solve problems with creativity and perseverance
- Organization – able to keep track of and balance many competing priorities
- Adaptable and proactive – able to adjust quickly as new needs arise, respond positively to change, and identify needs and implement solutions