Teaching Assistant - Residential

Thrive Scholars Jobs • Saint Louis, MO

1d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Summer Academy has long been the keystone of Thrive Scholars’ Six-Year Program, offering a signature summer experience through intensive college-preparatory courses taught by college instructors. Thrive’s current strategic direction builds on the success of our residential Summer Academy to expand our impact by establishing commuter-based Academies in cities across the United States. We launched our first two commuter programs in Los Angeles and New York City in 2024 and Chicago in 2025, while simultaneously continuing to offer the residential Summer Academies for Scholars who do not have an academy in their community. We expect to continue extending our reach to other cities in the coming years. Our students are high-achieving, including first-generation college-goers from under-resourced communities, with an average high school GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. They are eager to learn, inquisitive, and highly motivated to succeed. In general, they see themselves as good students who perform well in school and are determined to live up to that expectation. When scholars attend their first summer academy, whether commuter or residential, they are a rising high school senior. Thrive Scholars is seeking Teaching Assistants who can work with a faculty member to administer two sections of a college math or writing course to our students preparing for the rigor of courses at selective institutions. The math courses are expected to include Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, and Calculus 2. Final determination of math levels during the 2026 Summer Academy is to be determined based on student demand. The writing course is Introduction to College Writing. The uniqueness of this position lies in its dual focus on supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. Teaching Assistants will foster a sense of community with their assigned students, emphasizing belonging, connectedness, and resilience in a new environment. In practice, this includes developing creative ways to start the class period, developing shared meanings and motivational mantras to encourage resilience, and conducting personal check-ins with students who miss class. This role provides the opportunity to co-create and nurture a culture of safety that maximizes student engagement and learning. Teaching Assistants serve as both teachers and mentors, combining instructional support with personal guidance. TA’s will be supported by their faculty members, Academic Coordinators, the Site Director, Assistant Site Director, and Thrive full-time staff members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• Can demonstrate competency in college-level calculus (ranging from pre-calculus to Calculus 2) or college-level writing (personal essay, literary analysis, and expository writing)
• Can demonstrate effectiveness in supporting and teaching assigned course subjects in a university setting
• Experience in and passion for working with a diverse community of high school and college students
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with students, faculty, and staff
• High level of dependability and strong commitment to ensuring the health and safety of participants at all times
• Enthusiasm & ability to work in a high-energy environment, foster positivity & energy among high-school and college students
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities
• Commitment to uphold and enforce the values, policies, and procedures of Thrive Scholars as outlined in the program manual
• Ability to exercise sound decision-making and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Smart Casual dress is required
• Must pass a background check and complete required safety trainings

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a learning environment such as a summer camp, school, academic summer program, or a residential high school preferred
• CPR & First Aid certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Teaching Assistant for two sections of a college-level math or writing course in collaboration with a faculty member.
• Facilitate lessons, lectures, and interactive activities to ensure students grasp key concepts.
• Provide support during class hours and office hours, addressing student questions and clarifying complex topics.
• Collaborate with the faculty member to design and implement effective teaching strategies for college readiness.
• Writing TAs: provide one-on-one coaching and feedback on student writing.
• Build a supportive community among assigned students, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness.
• Implement unique and engaging methods to start each class period, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Develop shared meanings and motivation mantras with students to promote resilience and a growth mindset.
• Communicate concerns for students who may display signs of disengagement to the Site Director.
• Co-create and facilitate a culture of safety that encourages deep engagement and participation in the learning process.
• Provide guidance on academic and personal development in preparation for the challenges of selective institutions.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages peer support and knowledge sharing among students.

Benefits

• Housing will be provided on campus in dormitory-style accommodations, including community bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and common spaces. Each Teaching Assistant will have a private single room.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level