On-Call Teaching Assistant, 2026-2027 - DigiPen Academy

Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master’s degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade. To learn more, visit:  https://www.digipen.edu/ .

DigiPen also provides learning opportunities for secondary-level students to learn, create, collaborate, and experience the digital world through curricula and instructors that meet DigiPen’s stringent requirements.

Position Title:  On-Call Teaching Assistant, 2026-2027 - DigiPen Academy  

Reports to:   Rachel Kudlacz, Student Support Coordinator

DigiPen Academy's WANIC Full-Year Programprovides exciting learning adventures for high school students. Guided by our dedicated teaching team, students delve into hands-on projects encompassing video game programming, art and animation, game design, computer science, and music and sound design. Our courses transcend typical school programs, fostering vital STEAM skills, teamwork, and personal expression while reinforcing core academic subjects like math, physics, art, and writing. Discover more about our programs at DigiPen Academy Programs on ourwebsite. 

We're searching for Teaching Assistants to represent DigiPen, foster student engagement, and facilitate a positive learning environment. We seek enthusiastic, adaptable, and professional candidates eager to share their passions with our students. 

Before applying, please note the following details:

• Available between September 21^st 2026 – June 15^th 2027
• Hours between 7:00 am – 3:00 pm, with potential schedule variations (on-call only, schedule determined on week-by-week basis) 

Essential Functions

• Represent DigiPen to all students, parents, and peers 
• Assist in the instruction of DigiPen-approved curriculum, classroom management, and student mentorship
• Engage all students in active learning 
• Collaborate with Instructor to maintain a safe, productive, and friendly environment for all 
• Communicate with peers, administrators, and students quickly and effectively 
• Assist the Academy Team with student check-in procedures 
• On-call substitute responsibilities if Conditional CTE Teacher Certified
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge in computer science, art and animation, game design, engineering, music and sound design, or other relevant experience 
• Record of completing assigned work on time and to scope 
• Ability to engage students and generate enthusiasm 
• Willingness to perform a variety of tasks 
• Eagerness to grow and learn 
• Ability to adapt well to unforeseen circumstances 
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• If pursuing Art and Animation programs, link to art portfolio in resume is required

Bonus Skills/Attributes:

• Previous experience with K-12 students 
• Teaching experience 
• Experience planning and leading events, clubs, or group activities 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Conditional CTE Teacher Certified

Additional Knowledge

The following knowledge and skills are highly recommended but not required:

Art and Animation:

• 12 Principles of Animation
• Experience using Blender and other animation/3D Modeling software
• Drawing and digital painting (perspective, shading, form, and color theory) 
• Able to learn new software quickly

Game Design:

• Intermediate knowledge of game design best practices
• Deep knowledge of the Unity Engine (1-2 years of experience)
• Basic programming skills in C# (variable, iteration, conditionals, and functions) 
• Familiarity with writing game development documentation
• Frequent and enthusiastic player of tabletop and video games 
• Able to learn new software quickly 

Music & Sound Design:

• Intermediate music and sound design knowledge (digital recording experience strongly preferred) 
• Able to learn new software quickly 
• Able to read music 
• Experience with a DAW

Programming:

• Understanding of Linear Algebra (vector math, linear transformations, and matrix transformations)
• Deep knowledge of the Unity Engine (1-2 years of experience)
• C (variables, iteration, conditionals, pointers, arrays, functions, derived data types, dynamic memory allocation, and basic searching and sorting)
• C++ (variables, iteration, conditionals, pointers, arrays, functions, derived data types, dynamic memory allocation, and basic searching and sorting)
• C# (variables, iteration, conditionals, pointers, arrays, functions, derived data types, and basic searching and sorting)
  Python (variables, iteration, conditionals, arrays, functions, derived data types, basic searching and sorting, classes and object-oriented principles) 
• Javascript (variables, iteration, conditionals, arrays, functions, derived data types, basic searching and sorting, classes and object-oriented principles)
• Ability to learn new software quickly

Compensation:

• TA Wage:   $25.00 per hour

Not benefits eligible.

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.

Join us for an unforgettable full-year journey at DigiPen Academy! Apply now to embark on an exciting adventure of learning and discovery.

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.