Academic Program Assistant - Writing, Research & Public Speaking Cura LearningPart-Time | Contract | Hybrid $25-$35 per hourApproximately 3-6 hours per week About Cura Learning Cura Learning is an education company focused on helping students think deeply, communicate clearly, and develop confidence in their own ideas. Through our Research, Data & Advocacy Lab , students explore topics that matter to them while developing skills in research, writing, critical thinking, argumentation, data analysis, and public speaking. We are looking for an Academic Program Assistant who is passionate about education and enjoys working with middle and high school students. This person will support students across our academic programs, including Debate and Research , depending on program needs. About the Role The Academic Program Assistant will work closely with Cura Learning instructors to provide students with individualized academic support and feedback. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and communicator who can help students take an idea, develop it thoughtfully, support it with evidence, and communicate it effectively. Prior debate experience is preferred but not required . We are especially interested in candidates with strong backgrounds in writing, research, education, public speaking, debate, English, humanities, social sciences, or related fields. Key Responsibilities Student Support & Mentorship Meet with students both online and in-person for approximately 1.5-3 hours of synchronous instruction per week Help students develop their research, writing, argumentation, and communication skills Provide individualized guidance based on each student's learning goals and progress Encourage students to think independently and communicate their ideas with confidence Research & Writing Support Review student research, essays, debate preparation, and other academic work Provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback Help students strengthen their claims, reasoning, evidence, organization, and writing Support students in evaluating and incorporating credible sources Help students communicate complex ideas in a clear and persuasive manner Debate & Public Speaking Support Assist students with debate preparation, argument development, and evidence evaluation Conduct practice speaking exercises and provide feedback on delivery and clarity Help students develop logical arguments and persuasive communication Support students in connecting research and evidence to effective advocacy Student Progress & Instructor Collaboration Track student progress and areas for improvement Utilize Cura Learning's internal feedback and progress-tracking systems Communicate student updates, strengths, challenges, and recommended next steps to the lead instructor Prepare for weekly sessions by reviewing student work and identifying areas for discussion Program Development Provide feedback on Cura Learning's curriculum and instructional materials Identify opportunities to improve the student learning experience Contribute to the development of instructional resources, templates, and student-facing materials Depending on experience and program needs, assist with documenting best practices for future teaching assistants and instructors

What We're Looking For Required:

Strong written and verbal communication skills Excellent research and analytical abilities Ability to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback Passion for education and working with middle and high school students Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Comfortable working independently in an online environment

Preferred:

Background in competitive debate, speech, Model UN, mock trial, journalism, or similar activities Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in a relevant field such as Education, English, Writing, Communications, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related discipline Experience tutoring, teaching, mentoring, or working with students Familiarity with academic research and evidence-based writing Debate experience is a plus, but not required. A candidate with excellent writing, research, and communication skills may be a strong fit for this role.

Position Details Compensation:

$25-$35/hour, based on experience

Hours:

Approximately 3-6 hours/week

Format:

Hybrid online and in-person

Schedule:

dependent on student's schedules, mostly on Saturdays afternoons or

Sunday Mornings Employment:

Part-time contract position This is an initial part-time opportunity, with assignments and program responsibilities determined by student enrollment and Cura Learning's program needs. How to Apply Please submit your resume and a brief statement describing your experience with education, research, writing, debate, or public speaking , and why you are interested in working with middle and high school students.

Pay:

$25.00 - $35.00 per hour Expected hours: 3.0 - 6.0 per week

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Teaching:

1 year (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Required)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Palo Alto, CA 94306