Gifted Center Summer Program Staff: Teachers and Counselors

Gifted Center Summer Program Staff: Teachers and Counselors

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Gifted Center Summer Program Staff: Teachers and Counselors.

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States

Division: School of Education

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Part Time

Posting Close Date: January 31, 2027

Special Instructions to Applicants: In order for your application to be considered for the upcoming day and residential programs it must be completed including all uploads and it must be signed. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Counselor Applicants: Please submit all of the following documents: resume including contact information for three references, a one-page personal philosophy of working with elementary and secondary students, class and other work schedules to be reviewed for best fit with the needs of the program.

Teacher Applicants: Please submit all of the following documents: resume including contact information for two references including a current or past teaching supervisor, teaching license or other appropriate credential indicating ability to teach, a personal statement indicating your philosophy of working with high-ability students.

All Applicants: If selected for employment, you must successfully complete a background check and attend training sessions regarding the safety of minors on USM's campus and your responsibilities as a counselor or teacher with the Center.

Job Summary: Thank you for your interest in the summer and weekend programs conducted by The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies. The Center is home to a variety of short-term student programs. These programs meet the academic and social needs of gifted and high-ability students as young as three-years-old through rising seniors in high school. Our Counseling staff provides supervision of students during meals, afternoon recreational activities, and overnight dorm supervision. Counselors are selected for daytime recreation and supervision positions or over-night, residential positions. Our Teaching staff may be selected for one of six programs for students, based on the type of teaching credential, ability to work with various age groups, and fit for each program. Experience working with gifted and high-ability learners is helpful. Current Teachers of the Gifted, Retired Teachers of the Gifted, Graduate Students, and University Faculty seeking additional weekend and summer employment are encouraged to apply. Day Programs include the Saturday Gifted Studies Program, Young Gifted Students Program, and the Summer In the Middle Program. Residential Programs include the Leadership Studies Program, Summer Gifted Studies Program, and Summer Program for Academically and Artistically Talented Youth. Information regarding all of these programs may be found at usm.edu/gifted or

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Counselors: Attends training for and adheres to all policies related to student supervision: FERPA and Minors on Campus Policies, and any others deemed necessary; Assumes responsibility for the guidance and safety of program attendees (PK-11 grade students) assigned to their care; Assists with supervision of students during meals and other activities according to the official program schedule; Acts as a role model for program participants; Monitors social and emotional well-being of program participants and reports issues appropriately according to established protocols; Performs other duties as assigned. Teachers: Prepare a unit plan and daily lesson plans appropriate for the program in which you will be teaching to include a detailed materials request form. Instruction and supervision of children of various ages (according to program guidelines) during class, transitions from class to recreational activities, and meal times. Attend all training for and adhere to all policies related to student supervision: FERPA and Minors on Campus Policies, and any others deemed necessary. Attend daily debriefing meetings with Center and Program Directors as well as communicate needs effectively to counseling staff when appropriate. Provide appropriate feedback for students and parents according to established Center policies. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Counselors: A cumulative 2.5 GPA is required. Clear Background Check. Teachers: Valid teaching license, university level credentials in your subject area, or other equivalent evidence of teaching ability. Clear Background Check.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Teachers must be able to work within the program schedule (classes are intensive and therefore are all-day, every day for the duration of the program - NOT a university schedule). Counselors selected for residential positions must be able to live in the dorm during program dates for those assigned to residential positions. (Dorm costs will be covered by the Center during program dates.) Counselors selected for recreational positions are not automatically assigned a dorm room. All applicants are required to have knowledge of the Remind app to communicate with program supervisors and other staff (training will be provided on use of the app if necessary).

Preferred Qualifications: Counselors: Preference will be given to upperclassmen, graduate students, and young adults with experience living in a dorm setting. (Freshmen and Sophomores who are graduates of some residential high-schools may also meet this preference.) Prior experience working with children in a school, club, faith-based organization, camp, or academic program. Ability to navigate stairways up to four or five flights. Teachers: Previous experience working with gifted and high-ability students. Graduate degree emphasizing gifted education.

About The University of Southern Mississippi: Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.