Summer Academic Teacher

Position: Summer Academic Challenge Teacher
Appointment:
Temporary, full-time (1.0 FTE) position.

Work Location:

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

Please note that we generally do not sponsor applicants for work visas for staff positions. Therefore, we generally require applicants for staff positions to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Position Summary:

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 in college, 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.

Teachers must have experience and enjoy teaching in collaborative student-centered learning environments. Ideal candidates have experience teaching in STEAM fields and are enthusiastic and innovative. We are seeking three teachers, each to work with a group of no more than 20 students in one of the following grade levels:
Green Group (7th/8th graders), Gold Group (9th/10th graders) , and Blue Group (11th/12th graders).

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Lead hands-on, engaging lessons using a STEAM Curriculum. As a reference, the theme for each grade are:

7th and 8th grade:
Ripple effect:
Exploring the Connection Between Salmon, Water, and the Community of Puget Sound

The focus will be on the rich history of Puget Sound and Tacoma, emphasizing the significance of fishing and water rights in the community. Students will explore the life cycle and habitat of salmon, investigating how water quality, climate change, and human activities affect this vital food source for local wildlife and communities. Through this immersive experience, students will connect their learning to the challenges and opportunities within their own community, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage in the Pacific Northwest.

9th and 10th grade:
Statistically Speaking

Ever wonder how games stay fair, how polls predict opinions, or how data explains real-world trends? This summer, the Green Group will dive into probability and statistics through hands-on STEAM activities that show how math actually connects to everyday life. Instead of memorizing formulas, students will explore how math is really just a way of describing patterns we see in the world around us.

Those so-called "rules" aren;t random, they're tools humans created to explain how things behave. Once you see that, math becomes less intimidating and a lot more meaningful (and even fun!).

11th and 12th grade:
Spaces for Everyone:
An Adventure in Home Design

This hands-on theme lets students design their ideal "home" while using STEAM principles. What does a home look like in the past, present and future? Is it a single family home or a multi generational home? They'll explore topics like sustainable energy, materials, and environmental impact, and use tech tools to create smart home features. Students will work in teams to solve real-world challenges like space and structure, while considering global issues such as climate change and housing shortages.

The arts will help them design creative, functional spaces, and math will be used for planning and budgeting. By the end, students will gain valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while being inspired to make a difference in their communities. 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 in planning field trips and accompany students on field trips 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 Training dates are June 22, 23, 24; dates liable to change based on group availability.

* Maintain student records and track student work/progress over the summer

* Teachers must be available for the complete program:

* SAC programming June 25, 2026 - July 22, 2026

* SAC Teacher 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

Minimum Qualifications (candidates must posses these requirements to be hired into this position):

* 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…