SMASH-posted 4 days ago
Entry Level
Hybrid • Berkeley, CA
11-50 employees

The Teaching Assistant will play an integral role in supporting the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in CS. Each Teaching Assistant will support a group of around 25 scholars through project-based learning. The CS Workshop is a scholar-centered course that allows scholars to develop CS skills by way of projects and challenges. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole-group, small group, and individually while solving coding challenges using basic skills in Scratch or Python. In addition to supporting scholars' development of CS skills, Teaching Assistants will help scholars understand the importance of CS as a work readiness skill and ways in which CS applies to scholars' career interests. Strong Teaching Assistants will empower scholars to take ownership of their own learning and guide through inquiry rather than providing direct answers. This is a shift from the traditional model of education and requires letting scholars lead, and stepping in to provide support when necessary. Teaching Assistants will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset. The SMASH Computer Science Workshop is held from July 13th to July 25th 2026, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch. Teaching Assistants are required to be available on all days (except weekends) for half day or whole day during the period. All candidates must be able to work in-person in Atlanta, GA, Ann Arbor, MI, Berkeley, CA or Boston, MA. As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following -- their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director. All staff and scholars will be required to comply with the SMASH COVID-19 policy for in-person programming. Currently, staff working in-person are expected to test at least once each week they are working in-person with colleagues. Additionally, we encourage testing before and after in-person company and non-company sponsored events and travel. All staff and scholars must also comply with any site specific COVID-19 requirements. Site specific requirements will be shared as they become available and are subject to change. If a quarantine mandate is enforced by local government, university, or SMASH, all SMASH Academy programming will be held virtually. SMASH reserves the right to revise, delete, and add to its COVID-19 policy at any time, with or without notice. Nothing in the SMASH COVID-19 policy creates a contract or changes the nature of the at-will employment relationship. You must be available for all training and program dates. Onboarding 6.27.2026 (National, Virtual) Staff Training 6.29.2026 - 7.2.2026 (Virtual) 7.10.2026 (Site-specific, In-Person) SMASH Academy 7.13.2026 - 7.24.2026 (Site-specific, In-Person) Virtual Close Out 7.30.2026

  • Attend all training sessions
  • Support lead facilitator in implementing Create and Learn curriculum
  • Assist during 3-hour CS Workshop sessions, 5 days/week
  • Provide one-on-one and small group support to scholars
  • Help scholars troubleshoot code and work through challenges
  • Circulate during sessions to check for understanding and offer guidance
  • Support technical setup and logistics
  • Help manage classroom environment and keep activities on track
  • Assist with taking attendance and tracking participation
  • Provide feedback on scholar progress to lead facilitator
  • Help ensure all scholars stay engaged and supported
  • Support completion of scholar assignments
  • Foundational CS Knowledge: Currently pursuing or recently completed a Computer Science degree with coursework in Python, AI, or UI/UX design. Passionate about making CS accessible to underrepresented communities in STEM.
  • Communication & Teamwork: Strong collaboration skills; reliable and punctual; able to work effectively with lead facilitator and program staff; professional communication.
  • Empathy & Patience: Respect for diverse learning styles; ability to explain concepts in multiple ways; patience when helping scholars work through frustration.
  • Adaptability: Quick thinking when challenges arise; ability to pivot and try new approaches; creative problem-solving in dynamic classroom environment.
  • Growth Mindset: Willing to learn alongside scholars; open to feedback; comfortable saying "I don't know, let's figure it out together."
  • Life-long Learner: Willingness to model learning and figure out content alongside scholars; open to feedback; learning from what scholars have to offer.
  • Ability to work in-person for the entire program duration in Atlanta, GA, Ann Arbor, MI, Berkeley, CA or Boston, MA
  • Alignment with SMASH's mission to support underrepresented students in STEM
  • Genuine belief that all scholars can succeed in CS
  • Patience and enthusiasm for helping students learn
  • Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to beginners
  • Comfortable learning new technologies and troubleshooting independently
  • Coursework or experience in Python and/or AI, or digital design (especially UX/UI)
  • Interest in education and working with high school students
  • Experience working with diverse, first-generation, or low-income youth a plus
  • Tutoring, mentoring, or camp counselor experience a plus
  • Spanish fluency a plus
  • Previous TA or teaching experience a plus
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