Teaching Assistant – Classroom – UOP Reach for The Stars Summer STEM Academy – Stockton (Temporary Employee Pool)

University of the Pacific•Stockton, CA

28d•Remote

About The Position

The Project Based STEM Teaching Assistants are creative, energetic, and engaging college/university students with a penchant for math and/or science. Under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher, and in collaboration with the Project-based Coordinator and Lead teacher, teaching assistants will join the University of the Pacific’s & Tracy Unified School District’s collaboration to implement the Reach for the Stars STEM Academy ( RFTSSA ) for the summer of 2026 on the Stockton University of the Pacific campus. June 1 – June 26, 2026. Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. Program service areas and location: The RFTSSA serves students in the Tracy Unified School District. This academy will be held virtually. Academy Overview: Our STEM academies are academically intense, mathematics-based, summer enrichment programs designed for students who lack access to resources that would enable them to accelerate their learning and move into college preparatory coursework in high school. Academic goals of our academies are designed to develop and enhance skills in abstract & critical reasoning, problem solving through interpretation, making connections, explanation & demonstration, study techniques, technological skills, methods, and processes used to achieve goals and essential skills for college and career. Life goals of our academies are developed with each student and designed to help them develop purpose through building leadership skills and increasing self-esteem/confidence via real-life application of solving practical-everyday problems that often have an impact on life, work, health, and overall well-being. Identified students have potential to become scientists, engineers, and leaders in their community, yet lack access to academic enrichment programs that support their aptitude during the longest period of time school is not is session, summer. Our STEM academies reinforce and encourage students to consider STEM careers, take STEM classes during high school, participate in their school-site MESA program and pursue Stem fields as college majors. Student Profile- RFTSSA : Student participation in the RFTSSA is based on academic criteria. Recruitment starts while students are current 6th graders. Currently, students in grades 7-12 participate in the Sacramento academy. Once enrolled, students continue their summer participation through their 12th grade year. Program Design: The program, presented over the course of six summers, introduces students to progressively challenging STEM concepts at each returning grade level (rising 7th – rising 12th). The college level curriculum methodology covers concepts students typically experience during post-secondary education. The instructional delivery model is project based and focuses on introducing students to STEM via themed topics. Inclusive are pre/post tests, guest speakers, team projects, class presentations, library research, field trips, special events, homework, and skill assessments. Teaching Assistants will be instrumental in assisting teachers with curriculum implementation and project development with focus on continuing to build, expand, and improve program delivery into future years. Teaching Assistants will also work closely with the Tomorrow Project Program Administrator and Coordinator to deliver the daily curriculum. Teaching Assistants are required to attend staff orientation, Minors on Campus Training, staff meetings, and other program preparation activities. Under the supervision of the Beyond Our Gates Tomorrow Project Administrator and the academy Coordinator, the Project Based STEM Teaching Assistants will be responsible for assisting (not teaching the class) the classroom teacher with instruction of a STEM themed class of up to 25 students. Additionally, Teaching Assistants support the overall mission of the Academy, to: 1) increase students’ interest in and exposure to STEM , 2) engage and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, particularly females and underrepresented students, 3) prepare students for college and improve career mindedness, 4) increase high school graduation and college going rates of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. STEM skills and knowledge will be developed in areas that strengthen students’ ability to problem solve; reason; conject; and apply mathematical knowledge logically and systematically. Other focus areas will be: Developing critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and systematic analysis Demonstrating, through an integrated and hands-on approach, the application of mathematics to diverse disciplines (particularly to the fields of science, computer science, and engineering), and to a wide range of career opportunities Developing basic mathematical skills and knowledge Learning to communicate and reason mathematically – both orally and in writing Learning that hard work, perseverance and commitment result in meaningful knowledge and pride in accomplishment through experiences of success in a rigorous academic program. Academy Dates: June 1 – June 26, 2026. Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm Teaching Assistants are expected to be available a week prior to academy start date for PD, classroom set-up, staff meetings, etc. Students attend Monday – Friday. A closing ceremony will be held July 2, 2022

Requirements

Minimum Two (2) years’ experience working with school-age students in STEM subjects. Years of experience can be a combination of short-term positions that may have lasted for a summer or longer.
Local college/university (sophomore and above) student.
Current or former MESA students from any school, college, or university
Experience working with younger students.

Nice To Haves

Strong Math/ STEM skills (high school report card/college/university transcript).
Demonstrated experience with hands-on STEM projects.
Demonstrated mentorship skills/training.
Demonstrated desire to create change for the students from underrepresented populations.
Ability to speak and understand Spanish.
Understand and support The Tomorrow Project’s mission and philosophy and promote a positive image of the program.
Contribute to a harmonious program atmosphere by working cooperatively with all colleagues.
Respect the confidentiality of private information relating to students, colleagues and the operations of the program.
Demonstrate responsibility and punctuality.
Display flexibility in responding to new situations and expectations, a positive attitude and a helpful, nonjudgmental demeanor.
Willingness to consider and implement suggestions for improvement.
Model the good character traits that academy students are expected to embody.
Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Responsibilities

Strong communication skills to effectively carry out assigned duties with classroom teacher to coordinate instructional efforts.
Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role-playing methods.
Tutor and assist students individually or in small groups to support mastery of assignments and to reinforce learning concepts teachers present.
Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, lunch areas, school yards, gymnasiums, and/or field trips.
Conduct STEM skills demonstrations to teach to complete assignments/projects.
Distribute teaching materials as needed.
Distribute tests, homework assignments, and collect when completed.
Support administration policies/procedures/practices governing students’ behavior.
Grade homework/tests, compute and record results using answer sheets or electronic scoring devices.
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Observe students’ performance and record relevant data to assess progress.
Organize/label materials and display students’ work in a manner appropriate for observation and perceptual analysis.
Organize and supervise instructional games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students’ progress or necessary corrective actions.
Plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids such as study guides, report formats, bibliographies, references, charts, and graphs.
Prepare lesson outlines and plans in assigned subject areas.
Submit outlines to teachers for review prior to presenting to students.
Provide extra assistance to students with special needs, limited English-speaking students, and/or students with physical and mental impairments.
Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
Assist with retrieving students from drop-off and pick up areas.
Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as required.
Carry out therapeutic regimens such as behavior modification and personal development programs under the supervision of instructors.
Laminate (if necessary) teaching materials to increase durability under repeated use.
Maintain computers in classrooms/laboratories and assist students with hardware and software use.
Monitor classroom organization and student participation/interaction.
Operate and maintain audiovisual equipment.
Provide educational support to students with disabilities using assistive devices, supportive technology, and/or assistance accessing facilities such as restrooms, stairs, elevators, etc.
Inventory and stock teaching materials and supplies.
Type, file, and duplicate materials.
Use computers, audiovisual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement lessons and presentations.
Perform other duties as assigned.