Primary Purpose
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 Projectbased Coordinator and Lead teacher teaching assistants will join the University of the Pacifics & Stockton Unified School Districts collaboration to implement the Reach for the Stars STEM Academy RFTSSA for the summer of 2025 on the Stockton University of the Pacific campus. Program service areas and location: The RFTSSA serves students in the Stockton Unified School District. This academy will be held virtually. Academy Overview: Our STEM academies are academically intense mathematicsbased 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 problemsolving 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 selfesteem/confidence via reallife application of solving practicaleveryday problems that often have an impact on life work health and overall wellbeing. Identified students have the 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 in session summer. Our STEM academies reinforce and encourage students to consider STEM careers take STEM classes during high school participate in their schoolsite 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 712 participate in the Sacramento academy. Once enrolled students continue their summer participation through their 12thgrade 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 collegelevel curriculum methodology covers concepts students typically experience during postsecondary education. The instructional delivery model is projectbased and focuses on introducing students to STEM via themed topics. Inclusive are pre/posttests 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 a 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 collegegoing 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 handson approach the application of mathematics to diverse disciplines (particularly in 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 2 June 27 2025. Monday through Friday 7:30 am 3:30 pm. Teaching Assistants are expected to be available a week prior to the academy start date for PD classroom setup staff meetings etc. Students attend daily Monday Friday. Teaching assistants are expected to participate in the opening ceremony (parentstudent orientation) on Monday June 2nd 9:00 am 12:00 pm & the closing ceremony on Saturday June 28th 7:00 am 12:00 pm.
Essential Functions
Strong communication skills to effectively carry out assigned duties with the 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 roleplaying 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 schoolyards gymnasiums and/or field trips. Conduct STEM skills demonstrations to teach to complete assignments/projects. Distribute teaching materials as needed. Distribute tests and 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 teacherparent 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 Englishspeaking students and/or students with physical and mental impairments. Take class attendance and maintain attendance records. Assist with retrieving students from dropoff and pickup 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. The University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity equity and inclusion are foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decisionmaking that demonstrates awareness of and responsiveness to the ways sociocultural forces related to race gender ability sexuality socioeconomic status etc. impede or propel students faculty and staff.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of two 2 years experience working with schoolage students in STEM subjects. Local or regional college/university (sophomore and above) students with some STEM related program experience or current or former MESA students from any school college or university
Preferred Qualifications
Strong Math/ STEM skills (high school report card/college/university transcript). Demonstrated experience with handson 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 Projects 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.
Work Schedule
Most work is performed during standard business hours Monday Friday from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Must be flexible to work on selected evenings for various administrative functions.