Perhaps the most important requirement for an Academic Treks staff member is a love of working with teenagers. Beyond this, our leaders are expected to be capable of using good judgment to make sensible decisions in the field and maintain our high standards. Working for Broadreach is personally and professionally rewarding, but it can also be a challenge. Instructors are expected to handle course leadership, instruction, logistics, course paperwork and bookkeeping. Our leaders are also required to handle "everyday" responsibilities such as making sure the dishes are washed and meals are served. Staff serve as role models and refrain from smoking and drinking during the trip. The staff is expected to facilitate student participation, cooperation and responsibility to help the entire group grow and achieve goals.

There is no "time off" on an Academic Treks program. Instructors are responsible for the group 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the program. Our staff members typically receive one or two days off between trips. Sometimes that means only two days off for the summer.

Very few staff members work for Academic Treks because of the pay. They are typically motivated by the incredible experience that working for Academic Treks offers, as well as a love for working, teaching and living with young adults. Our instructors understand that their responsibilities lie not only with their students, but also to each student's parents, to Academic Treks and to our program philosophy. Although our programs may be physically and mentally demanding, our instructors find the experience to be rewarding, enjoyable, and well worth the time and effort. As testimony to this fact, many return year after year.