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

University of the Pacific • Stockton, CA

53d • 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. The RFTSSA serves students in the Tracy Unified School District and is an academically intense, mathematics-based, summer enrichment program 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. The academy aims to develop and enhance skills in abstract & critical reasoning, problem solving, technological skills, and essential skills for college and career. It also focuses on life goals by helping students develop purpose through leadership skills and increasing self-esteem/confidence via real-life application of solving practical-everyday problems. The program is presented over six summers, introducing students to progressively challenging STEM concepts. The instructional delivery model is project based and focuses on introducing students to STEM via themed topics, including 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, working 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. They will assist the classroom teacher with instruction of a STEM themed class of up to 25 students, supporting the Academy's mission to increase students’ interest in and exposure to STEM, engage and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, prepare students for college, and improve career mindedness. STEM skills and knowledge will be developed in areas that strengthen students’ ability to problem solve, reason, conjecture, and apply mathematical knowledge logically and systematically. Other focus areas include developing critical thinking, abstract reasoning, and systematic analysis; demonstrating the application of mathematics to diverse disciplines; developing basic mathematical skills; learning to communicate and reason mathematically; and learning that hard work, perseverance, and commitment result in meaningful knowledge and pride in accomplishment.

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.
• Strong communication skills to effectively carry out assigned duties with classroom teacher to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Demonstrated 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.

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.
• 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

• Assist teachers with curriculum implementation and project development.
• Work closely with the Tomorrow Project Program Administrator and Coordinator to deliver the daily curriculum.
• Assist the classroom teacher with instruction of a STEM themed class of up to 25 students.
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers.
• Tutor and assist students individually or in small groups to support mastery of assignments and to reinforce learning concepts.
• 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 and label materials and display students’ work.
• Organize and supervise instructional games and other recreational activities.
• 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 and submit to teachers for review.
• 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 teaching materials to increase durability.
• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed