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Summer Academic Challenge Teacher
University of Puget Sound
Job ID: 8623
Location:
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:
Staff Posting Details
Appointment: Temporary, full-time (1.0 FTE) position.
Work Location:
This position is based in Tacoma, WA, and is an on-campus role only.
Please note that we generally do not sponsor applicants for work visas for staff positions. Therefore, we generally require applicants for staff positions to be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Position Summary:
Access Programs' Summer Academic Challenge (SAC) is a four-week innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) enrichment program serving low income, first generation in college, and students of color primarily from Tacoma Public Schools and greater. Pierce County. Students arrive on June 25, 2026 and finish the program on July 22, 2026.
Teachers must have experience and enjoy teaching in collaborative student-centered learning environments. Ideal candidates have experience teaching in STEAM fields and are enthusiastic and innovative. We are seeking three teachers, each to work with a group of no more than 20 students in one of the following grade levels: Green Group (7th/8th graders), Gold Group (9th/10th graders) , and Blue Group (11th/12th graders).
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
Lead hands-on, engaging lessons using a STEAM Curriculum. As a reference, the theme for each grade are:
7th and 8th grade: Ripple effect: Exploring the Connection Between Salmon, Water, and the Community of Puget Sound
The focus will be on the rich history of Puget Sound and Tacoma, emphasizing the significance of fishing and water rights in the community. Students will explore the life cycle and habitat of salmon, investigating how water quality, climate change, and human activities affect this vital food source for local wildlife and communities. Through this immersive experience, students will connect their learning to the challenges and opportunities within their own community, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage in the Pacific Northwest.
9th and 10th grade: Statistically Speaking
Ever wonder how games stay fair, how polls predict opinions, or how data explains real-world trends? This summer, the Green Group will dive into probability and statistics through hands-on STEAM activities that show how math actually connects to everyday life. Instead of memorizing formulas, students will explore how math is really just a way of describing patterns we see in the world around us. Those so-called "rules" aren't random, they're tools humans created to explain how things behave. Once you see that, math becomes less intimidating and a lot more meaningful (and even fun!).
11th and 12th grade: Spaces for Everyone: An Adventure in Home Design
This hands-on theme lets students design their ideal "home" while using STEAM principles. What does a home look like in the past, present and future? Is it a single family home or a multi generational home? They'll explore topics like sustainable energy, materials, and environmental impact, and use tech tools to create smart home features. Students will work in teams to solve real-world challenges like space and structure, while considering global issues such as climate change and housing shortages. The arts will help them design creative, functional spaces, and math will be used for planning and budgeting. By the end, students will gain valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while being inspired to make a difference in their communities. Prepare lesson plans based on the provided curriculum themes and/or provide feedback and suggestions for updates to the curriculum

• Collaborate in planning field trips and accompany students on field trips in planning field trips and accompany students on field trips in planning field trips and accompany students on field trips
• Prepare a list of resources required in advance of the start of the program
• Oversee 2-3 college student teacher assistants
• Participate in orientation and training with teaching assistants before the beginning of the program Training dates are June 22, 23, 24; dates liable to change based on group availability.
• Maintain student records and track student work/progress over the summer
• Teachers must be available for the complete program:
  • SAC programming June 25, 2026 - July 22, 2026
  • SAC Teacher hours 8:30 am-4:00pm, M-F
  • Staff training June 22-24 including participation of opening ceremony in the evening of June 24, 2026
  • Closing ceremony: July 22 from 4:00 pm -7:00pm
  • Program clean up: July 23 from 9:00 am -12:00 pm

Minimum Qualifications (candidates must posses these requirements to be hired into this position):

• Prior experience working with youth from diverse populations
• Experience teaching with project based/collaborative learning methods
• Willingness and ability to work collaboratively
• Ability and interest in implementing the newly designed STEAM curriculum
• Can facilitate engaging and enriching activities in small and large groups
• Able to commit to working for the duration of the four-week program plus spring orientation programming
• Able to start lesson planning early enough to provide lists of materials, coordinate field trips, etc.
• Ability to respectfully work, communicate and provide leadership within a diverse campus community

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math (STEAM) teaching for middle and/or high school students

This Position:

• Requires a degree, specific licensure/certification, or other credentials
• Requires the use/operation of a personal, rented, or university vehicle to conduct university business on a regular basis

Compensation and Benefits:
The anticipated rate for this position is $24.00 per hour Decisions about starting salaries are made based on the extent and relatedness of the candidate's education and experience and on internal equity and market considerations.
Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package for eligible staff employees, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plan options and 403(b) contributions
• Paid vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, campus holidays and bonus holidays
• Education benefits, such as full tuition for eligible employees and their families
• Access to university facilities and entertainment (fitness center, pool, library, concerts, lectures and more!)

Please note:
-Positions that work less than .75 FTE (1,560 hours per year) do not qualify for long-term disability or education benefits.
-Positions that work less than .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will accrue paid sick leave but are not eligible for additional benefits.
-Temporary positions that work at least .50 FTE (1,040 hours per year) will be eligible for benefits.
This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
This position is not eligible for benefits; however, employees may make elective deferrals into a retirement plan.
For the Campus Holiday and Bonus Day Schedule, visit: https://www.pugetsound.edu/human-resources
Application Deadline:
Review of applications will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified.
Required Documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• 3 professional references (at least 2 supervisors)

Applications submitted without the required attachments will not be considered.
All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of all required background checks.
University Diversity Statement
We Acknowledge:

• The richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community.
• The intrinsic worth of all who work and study here.
• The investigation and reflection enhance that education upon multiple perspectives.

We Aspire:

• To create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community.
• To increase the diversity of all parts of our university community through a commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts.
• To foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.

We Act:

• To achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity.
• To ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here.
• To prepare citizen-leaders effectively for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: https://pugetsound.edu/about-puget-sound-0/mission-core-values/institutional-equity-diversity
The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.
How to Apply
For complete job description and application instructions, visit: www.pugetsound.edu/employment
About Puget Sound
Puget Sound is a selective national liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington, drawing 2,600 students from 48 states and 20 countries. Puget Sound graduates include Rhodes and Fulbright scholars, notables in the arts and culture, entrepreneurs and elected officials, and leaders in business and finance locally and throughout the world. A low student-faculty ratio provides Puget Sound students with personal attention from faculty who have a strong commitment to teaching and offer 1,200 courses each year in more than 40 traditional and interdisciplinary fields, including graduate programs in occupational and physical therapy and in education. Puget Sound is the only nationally ranked independent undergraduate liberal arts college in Western Washington, and one of just five independent colleges in the Pacific Northwest granted a charter by Phi Beta Kappa, the nations most prestigious academic honorary society. Visit "About Puget Sound" (http://www.pugetsound.edu/about) to learn more about the college.
As a strategic goal and through our core values, University of Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. EOE/AA

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