History & Social Studies Curriculum Subject Matter Expert (Contract Position)

ICL Academy is seeking a highly motivated Curriculum Subject-Matter Expert (SME) to enhance our asynchronous courses in the History and Social Studies department across U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Microeconomics. SMEs work remotely and independently, updating assignments and assessments based on a detailed course audit provided by the Academic Department Chair. The role focuses on improving standards alignment, strengthening student engagement, and modernizing assessment practices across 30-lesson courses. Work is completed asynchronously, with predictable communication windows.

Revise existing assignments to align with learning objectives and course standards

Incorporate modern assessment strategies and varied assignment formats

Create engaging, interactive, and multimedia learning experiences such as primary source analysis, simulations, case studies, and data-driven economics activities

Ensure clarity of instructions for fully asynchronous learners

Redesign formative and summative assessments for rigor and alignment

Develop diverse question types and improved feedback mechanisms

Implement authentic/performance-based assessment strategies

Complete onboarding training and attend the project launch meeting with the Academic Department Chair

Maintain occasional availability during scheduled business hour windows

Communicate consistently through email check-ins; participate in Zoom check-ins if deadlines slip

Meet all deadlines across a multi-month project (October to end of April)

Work independently in Google Drive and Amplify to update course materials

Follow the course audit to implement required versions, improvements, and enhancements

Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, Economics, Social Studies Education, or a closely related field (Master’s preferred, especially for AP-level courses)

Demonstrated subject matter expertise in at least one subject area: U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, AP Macroeconomics, or AP Microeconomics

Classroom teaching or curriculum development experience (grades 5-12), particularly in the subject(s) applied for

Experience designing standards-aligned assignments and assessments (Common Core, C3 Framework for Social Studies, College Board AP standards, or equivalent)

Experience building assignments and assessments in Amplify

Strong written communication skills for asynchronous instruction

Comfort with LMS platforms such as Canvas or similar

Ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines

AP Macroeconomics or AP Microeconomics teaching experience, or College Board AP reader/exam experience

Experience designing curriculum for asynchronous, online, or homeschool learners

Familiarity with backward design frameworks (e.g., Understanding by Design)

Experience creating interactive/multimedia assessment content (primary source analysis tools, DBQs, economic simulations, data visualizations)

Experience working with gifted, accelerated, or highly independent learners

A new model of private online education: Connecting academics, student passions, and industry experts.

ICL Academy is an online private school for grades 5-12 that aims to solve many problems facing in-person and online schools by focusing on student engagement through a personalized, blended approach that combines academics with personal passions. Its founder, Kirk Spahn, is a fourth-generation educator with over 20 years of experience specializing in digital education and youth civic engagement. ICL Academy is powered by 150 years of academic excellence. It builds on the track record of success of the Institute for Civic Leadership, a nonprofit founded in 2001 that has inspired, educated, and supported a new generation of youth civic leaders to take positive action in their local and global communities.

ICL Academy also partners with industry experts who serve as master teachers and Champion Mentors. ICL Academy is grateful to have amazing Champions such as Novak Djokovic, Steve Nash, Bode Miller, Monica Seles, Vincent Zhou, and so many more supporting its community of students and families. ICL Academy has quickly become the #1 online school for kids pursuing their passion.