Academic Teaching Assistant

About Summer Discovery

Our mission is to provide best-in-class, immersive summer college enrichment experiences that perfectly balance curricula curated by expert instructors in diverse fields of study, with opportunities for students to have fun, travel and explore new places with new friends. 

We support students in their mission to deepen their knowledge of their academic passion and foster college-ready confidence through hands-on learning experiences in their preferred field of study. We are the industry trailblazers, applying nearly sixty years of learning, refinement and relationship building into what we do each day.  

Simply put, our team is obsessed with summer and determined to help our students excel, building lifelong skills, embracing intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning. Our team members make a significant impact in the lives of students, and we take great pride in supporting them in every step of the journey – we roll up our sleeves and do what it takes to deliver the very best summer ever!

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant for Summer Discovery, you will play a vital role in supporting the classroom Instructor by supervising student activities, offering mentorship, and guiding students through their social and academic experiences. Teaching Assistants are expected to exemplify a positive and approachable demeanor, while fostering an environment of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

This position is available from mid-June to late July, varying by program location. You will work Monday through Friday, with daily hours between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and some flexibility may be required.

Essential Functions:

• Instructional Support: Assist the Instructor with small group instruction, addressing learning differentiation needs, setting up activities, supporting students with their culminating projects and managing the classroom to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
• Materials and Classroom set-up Support: Assist instructor with preparation of materials for hands-on activities and labs.
• Role Modeling: Serve as a positive role model for students and staff, using good judgment in decision-making, problem-solving, and mentoring.
• Guidance and Communication: Seek guidance from SIG staff for student-related concerns and ensure effective communication and follow-up.
• Supervision and Participation: Supervise and engage actively in lunch and recreational activities, and support special programs and activities for residential students each afternoon.
• Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies and assist with program needs as directed, adhering to policies and procedures outlined in relevant manuals and handbooks.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

• Student Engagement: Actively support and engage students in academic and social settings, contributing to student feedback, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
• Adaptability: Flexibly handle various classroom situations and student needs while managing multiple tasks.
• Problem-Solving: Use good judgment to make decisions, address challenges, and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Mentoring: Guide and support students in their learning and personal growth, modeling appropriate behavior.
• Organizational Skills: Manage classroom activities and administrative tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth program operations.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with the classroom Instructor and other staff members as part of a cohesive team.
• Professionalism: Maintain professionalism in interactions, demonstrating reliability and ethical conduct.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work / Travel:

• Location: Required to be at the assigned campus Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (specific days and times may vary by campus).
• Orientation: Must attend staff orientation on the Saturday before the program starts.
• Commute: Expected to commute to and from the program location daily

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Education: Currently pursuing or has completed a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in higher education, education, or a field related to STEAM is preferred.
• Experience: Previous work and supervisory experience with children and young adults (ages 6-17) is required, with experience in academic, tutoring, mentoring, or recreational settings preferred.
• Transportation: Housing is not provided; the Teaching Assistant should live within a daily commutable distance and manage their own transportation and associated costs.
• Eligibility: Must be at least 20 years old and eligible to work in the US.

Salary Range:

$20-$22 per hour. Salary is dependent on education, teaching experience and campus location. 

Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Summer Discovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Summer Discovery does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

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