This position is available for Summer 2026.
Note: All on-campus position applications close at 2:59pm on the deadline date listed.
Position Description:
Access Programs’ Summer Academic Challenge (SAC) a tuition-free four-week enrichment program for students in grades 7 to 12. With an innovative Project-Based STEAM curriculum, students explore themes in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), and see how the subjects they study in school play out in the world around them. Classes are project-based and require teamwork and collaboration. In addition to time on campus, whether in the classroom, lab, outdoors, or in the library, students focus on writing and oral presentation skills, and participate in field trips and special events. Students participating in the program gain confidence, expand their interests, and become better prepared for the next school year and to meet their long-term academic goals. Many of the students participating in this program come from Tacoma Public Schools and greater Pierce County. Students who participate in this program bring diverse lived experiences and identities. They may identify as first-generation college students, individuals from minoritized communities historically underrepresented in higher education, and/or students from socioeconomic backgrounds that have been underrepresented within the education settings.
Students arrive June 25, 2026 and finish July 22, 2026. Classes are held on the University of Puget Sound’s campus. Ideal candidates are knowledgeable in STEAM, enthusiastic, innovative, and enjoy working with youth in collaborative student-centered learning environments. We are seeking 9 teacher assistants, each to work with a group of approximately 20 students in one of the following grade levels: Gold group (7th/8th), Green group (9th/10th), and Blue group (11th/12th).
SAC TA’s must be available for the complete program:
- SAC programming June 25, 2026 – July 22, 2026
- SAC TA hours 8:30 am-4:00pm, M-F
- Staff training June 22-24 including participation of opening ceremony in the evening of June 24, 2026
- Closing ceremony: July 22 from 4:00 pm -7:00pm
- Program clean up: July 23 from 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
- Utilize a deep content knowledge of STEAM subject areas and assist teachers with implementing the STEAM curriculum
- Participate in collaboration planning sessions with SAC teachers
- Provide in class tutoring, mentoring, supervision for participants, with a focus on knowledge and learning in STEAM subject areas
- In-lab supervision and support, including enforcing safety protocols and proper use of lab equipment
Independently responsible for planning and leading daily activities in small and large groups related to curriculum and for the purpose of building college literacy and awareness. This may include small group discussions, cultural and recreational activities, college success skill development, and study skills.
- Serve as a positive role model for 7-12th-grade students
- Be responsible for student check in and check out, and monitor students before and after the program each day
- Chaperone field trips, acting as primary person responsible for groups of up to 10 students, providing appropriate leadership and ensuring safety, enforcing the code of conduct, and fostering a positive learning environment for participants.
- May be asked to drive a 12 person campus van for field trips in or near Tacoma.
Minimum Requirements (candidates must possess these requirements in order to be hired into this position)
Candidates must be able to explain and/or demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Candidates must be able to explain and/or demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be current undergraduate, recent graduate, or youth development professional (preference may be given to those attending the University of Puget Sound, Access Programs Alumni, and returning SAC staff)
- Prior experience working with youth from diverse populations
- Demonstrated leadership, enthusiasm, and innovation
- Work collaboratively under the direction of an experienced teaching professional
- Content knowledge in STEAM subject areas and ability to assist teachers to implement the STEAM curriculum
- Ability to respectfully work, communicate and provide leadership within a diverse campus community
Hours per week: 35 hours
Interviews will take place directly with the hiring department. For questions, you can reach out to the hiring manager for this position.
Department: Access Program
Contact Name: My Khanh Tran
Email: mttran@pugetsound.edu
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