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) • 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" arent random; theyre 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? Theyll 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.
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-4:00 pm, 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 possess 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 candidates 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
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.