Instructor Shadow

Compensation: $1,000 total for the 6-week period

Role Overview
Our instructors make a meaningful impact on students across 90+ universities by helping them bridge the gap between college and career through experiential, project-based learning. They guide students through real-world challenges in areas such as digital marketing, web development, and data analytics, while fostering supportive, inclusive learning environments. Instructors help learners build confidence, develop job-ready skills, and see a clear pathway from the classroom to their first professional roles.The Instructor Shadow role is a short-term training opportunity designed to prepare future instructors for a smooth transition into teaching with GCA. Over six weeks, participants will observe real student-facing labs, explore course content, and experience a range of teaching approaches by watching multiple instructors.

Responsibilities
1. LiveLab Observations (Primary Responsibility)

• Attend two LiveLabs per week (90 minutes each).


• Labs will be with two different instructors each week to expose participants to a variety of teaching styles, facilitation methods, and class dynamics.


• Participants may choose sessions that best fit their schedule and do not need to select the same sessions each week. Weekly options below.
  
  
  
  • Tuesday: 12:00–1:30pm CT
  
  
  • Tuesday: 5:00–6:30pm CT
  
  
  • Tuesday: 7:00–8:30pm
  
  
  • Wednesday: 11:00–12:30pm
  
  
  • Wednesday: 2:00–3:30pm
  
  
  • Wednesday: 6:00–7:30pm
  
  
  • Thursday: 6:00–7:30pm
  
  
  
  

2. Course Familiarization

• Work through the asynchronous course content to understand curriculum flow, terminology, and instructor expectations.

3. Project Review

• Review assigned student projects to understand scope, goals, and common challenges.


•  (Completion of the projects is not required.)

4. Reflections & Check-ins

• Submit weekly reflections after lab observations (2–3 short prompts or notes).


• Participate in two brief check-ins (midpoint and final) with track coordinator.

Ideal Candidate

• Interested in becoming a future GCA instructor


• Reliable and able to commit to the 6-week schedule


• Curious about instructional practices and facilitation techniques


• Comfortable with self-paced course review and observation-based learning

Deliverables

• Weekly reflection submissions


• Midpoint check-in


• End-of-program check-in

Purpose of the Role
This role exists to:

• Provide a structured, low-stakes pathway for new instructors to become familiar with GCA content and culture


• Ensure a smoother onboarding experience for future instructors


• Give participants direct exposure to real-time teaching and facilitation


• Create additional opportunities for current instructors to receive observation and feedback