Summer Academic Teacher

Summer Academic Challenge Teacher

University of Puget Sound

Job

Location:

Tacoma, WA (on-campus)

Full/Part Time:
Full Time

Regular/Temporary:
Temporary (full-time 1.0 FTE)

Temporary, full-time (1.0 FTE) position.

This position is based in Tacoma, WA, and is an on-campus role only.

Access Programs' Summer Academic Challenge (SAC) is a four-week innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) enrichment program serving low‑income, first‑generation college students and students of color primarily from Tacoma Public Schools and greater Pierce County. Students arrive on June 25, 2026 and finish the program on July 22, 2026.

• Lead hands‑on, engaging lessons using a STEAM curriculum. As a reference, the theme for each grade is:
• 7th and 8th grade:
  Ripple effect – Exploring the Connection Between Salmon, Water, and the Community of Puget Sound – focusing on the rich history of Puget Sound, fishing, water rights, salmon life cycle, and community stewardship.
• 9th and 10th grade:
  Statistically Speaking – exploring probability and statistics through hands‑on STEAM activities that connect math to everyday life.
• 11th and 12th grade:
  Spaces for Everyone – An Adventure in Home Design – guiding students to design ideal homes using STEAM principles, exploring sustainability, materials, and smart home technology.
• Prepare lesson plans based on the provided curriculum themes and/or provide feedback and suggestions for updates to the curriculum.
• Collaborate in planning field trips and accompany students on field trips.
• Prepare a list of resources required in advance of the start of the program.
• Oversee 2–3 college student teacher assistants.
• Participate in orientation and training with teaching assistants before the beginning of the program (June 22–24).
• Maintain student records and track student work/progress over the summer.
• Be available for the complete program: SAC programming June 25, 2026 – July 22, 2026; SAC teacher hours 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday‑Friday; staff training June 22–24 including participation of opening ceremony on June 24, 2026; closing ceremony:
  July 22 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm; program clean‑up:
  July 23 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

• Prior experience working with youth from diverse populations.
• Experience teaching with project‑based/collaborative learning methods.
• Willingness and ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability and interest in implementing the newly designed STEAM curriculum.
• Can facilitate engaging and enriching activities in small and large groups.
• Able to commit to working for the duration of the four‑week program plus spring orientation programming.
• Able to start lesson planning early enough to provide lists of materials, coordinate field trips, etc.
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate, and provide leadership within a diverse campus community.

• Certification in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math (STEAM) teaching for middle and/or high school students.

Requires a degree, specific licensure/certification, or other credentials. Requires the use/operation of a personal, rented, or university vehicle to conduct university business on a regular basis.

The anticipated rate for this position is $24.00 per hour. Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package for eligible staff employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision.
• Life insurance and long‑term disability.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement plan options and 403(b) contributions.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, campus holidays, and bonus holidays.
• Education benefits, such as full tuition for eligible employees and their families.
• Access to university facilities and entertainment (fitness center, pool, library, concerts, lectures, and more!).

Note:

Positions that work less than .75 FTE (1,560 hours per year) do not qualify for long‑term disability or education benefits. Positions that…