Summer Learning Academy: Teaching Assistant
STEAM Ahead is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We are a team of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) professionals and enthusiasts who are passionate about closing the education gap for underrepresented and underserved groups of youth. We promote S.T.E.A.M. education through the development of programs and initiatives that creates impactful learning for youth everywhere.
The STEAM Ahead: Summer Learning Academy (SLA) is a free, 5-week, summer day program for elementary and middle school youth throughout the city of Boston. This program will be held in conjunction with BPS (Boston Public Schools), the BPS Summer Learning Initiative, and our partners at Boston After Schools and Beyond.
Our daily schedule will consist of 5 instructional learning blocks:
- Morning Welcome Session – As a group, we will discuss our daily schedule and explore a mindfulness activity to start the day.
- Math Courses – Based upon grade-level proficiency, students will be provided additional support or exposure to advanced mathematics concepts to improve their skills.
- ELA and/or SLA Courses – Students will explore real world topics while refining their reading comprehension and writing skills.
- Computer Science Courses – Students will be introduced to core computer science concepts and will complete hands-on projects that utilize technical and artistic skill sets.
- Elective STEAM Activities – Students will have the choice to continue exploring all aspects of S.T.E.A.M. through a variety of activities related to art, health and wellness, financial literacy, sports, music, entrepreneurship, and more.
Learn More About Our SLA Program: https://www.westeamahead.org/summer
STEAM Ahead – Summer Learning Academy Sites
-
Lee Academy Pilot School (held at the Lee School)
- Serving Current Kindergarten – 3rd Grade Students
- Program Open To All BPS Students
- Address:
-
Joseph Hurley K-8 School (Dual-Language Program)
- Serving Current 2nd – 5th Grade Students
- Program Open To:
- BPS Students who Attend an English-Spanish Dual-Language School
- BPS Students who are Spanish Speaking English Language Learners
- Address:
This Position
Job Title: Teaching Assistant, Summer Learning Academy
Reports To: Site Coordinator, Summer Learning Academy
Compensation: $20.00 per hour
Program Dates: Monday, July 07, 2025 – Friday, August 08, 2025; (M-F)
Program Times:
- Breakfast/Student Drop-off: 8:30am – 9:00am
- Program Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Student Pick-up: 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Your Teaching Commitment: : 9:00am – 3:30pm – 6 Program Hours, 30 Minutes Lunch (unpaid lunch period)
Preparatory Obligations
- Mid/Late June: Student + Family Orientation – Formal introduction of program and program staff to participating students and their families
- Staff Orientation – Orientation and Site walk-through prior to start of program
Responsibilities
- Assist lead teachers in facilitating lessons, activities, and STEAM-based learning experiences for students in classroom and small-group settings
- Work with students one-on-one or in small groups to reinforce content, provide extra support, and help students stay engaged and on track
- Support classroom management by promoting positive behavior, reinforcing expectations, and redirecting students as needed to maintain a safe and respectful environment
- Help organize, distribute, and collect educational materials, supplies, and student work needed for daily lessons and hands-on projects
- Support classroom management by promoting positive behavior, reinforcing expectations, and redirecting students as needed to maintain a safe and respectful environment
- Foster enthusiasm for learning by building positive relationships, encouraging participation, and modeling curiosity and creativity
- Assist in implementing SEL activities and support students in developing teamwork, self-regulation, and communication skills
- Help with student arrival and dismissal, meal/snack times, transitions between activities, and supervision during recess, field trips, or enrichment periods
- Observe student progress and share observations or concerns with lead teachers or program coordinators to ensure appropriate support and adjustments
- Ensure all students feel welcomed, valued, and supported, with sensitivity to individual learning needs and cultural backgrounds
- Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude; be punctual, reliable, and responsive to feedback from supervisors and colleagues
Qualifications – Required
- Have at least a High School Diploma or GED.
- Experience and knowledge of an Academic and/or S.T.E.A.M discipline
- Passionate about working with youth
- Must have at least 1 year experience working with youth and/or teaching
- Experience with working with a diverse population of students, especially historically marginalized student groups, such as Black and brown students, students with disabilities, and English Language Learners.
- Must be highly organized
- Hiring of this position will be dependent upon completion of a background check
- Authorized to work in the United States. Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment
Qualifications – Preferred
- Language Fluency: Spanish
- Current College Student or Recent College Grad
- Prior experience working with a community-based organization
- We value linguistic diversity and believe that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity.
- We are particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in one of the following languages: Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.
Non-Discrimination Policy
STEAM Ahead and The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.