Academic Teaching Assistant

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant for Summer Discovery, you will play a vital role in supporting the classroom Instructor by supervising student activities, offering mentorship, and guiding students through their social and academic experiences. Teaching Assistants are expected to exemplify a positive and approachable demeanor, while fostering an environment of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

This position is available from mid-June to late July, varying by program location. You will work Monday through Friday, with daily hours between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and some flexibility may be required.

Essential Functions:

• Instructional Support: Assist the Instructor with small group instruction, addressing learning differentiation needs, setting up activities, supporting students with their culminating projects and managing the classroom to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
• Materials and Classroom set-up Support: Assist instructor with preparation of materials for hands-on activities and labs.
• Role Modeling: Serve as a positive role model for students and staff, using good judgment in decision-making, problem-solving, and mentoring.
• Guidance and Communication: Seek guidance from SIG staff for student-related concerns and ensure effective communication and follow-up.
• Supervision and Participation: Supervise and engage actively in lunch and recreational activities, and support special programs and activities for residential students each afternoon.
• Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies and assist with program needs as directed, adhering to policies and procedures outlined in relevant manuals and handbooks.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Student Engagement: Actively support and engage students in academic and social settings, contributing to student feedback, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibly handle various classroom situations and student needs while managing multiple tasks.
• Problem-Solving: Use good judgment to make decisions, address challenges, and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Mentoring: Guide and support students in their learning and personal growth, modeling appropriate behavior.
• Organizational Skills: Manage classroom activities and administrative tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth program operations.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with the classroom Instructor and other staff members as part of a cohesive team.
• Professionalism: Maintain professionalism in interactions, demonstrating reliability and ethical conduct.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work / Travel:

• Location: Required to be at the assigned campus Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (specific days and times may vary by campus).
• Orientation: Must attend staff orientation on the Saturday before the program starts.
• Commute: Expected to commute to and from the program location daily

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Education: Currently pursuing or has completed a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in higher education, education, or a field related to STEAM is preferred.
• Experience: Previous work and supervisory experience with children and young adults (ages 6-17) is required, with experience in academic, tutoring, mentoring, or recreational settings preferred.
• Transportation: Housing is not provided; the Teaching Assistant should live within a daily commutable distance and manage their own transportation and associated costs.
• Eligibility: Must be at least 20 years old and eligible to work in the US.

Salary Range:

$20-$22 per hour. Salary is dependent on education, teaching experience and campus location. 

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Summer Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Summer Discovery does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.