Teaching Assistant Classroom UOP Reach Stars Summer STEM Academy Stockton; Temporary

Teaching Assistant – Reach for the Stars Summer STEM Academy (Temporary)

The Project‑Based STEM Teaching Assistants are creative, energetic, and engaging college/university students with a penchant for math and science. Under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher, and in collaboration with the Project‑based Coordinator and Lead teacher, teaching assistants will join the University of the Pacific & Tracy Unified School District’s collaboration to implement the Reach for the Stars STEM Academy (RFTSSA) for the summer of 2026 on the Stockton campus (June 1 – June 26, 2026, Monday‑Friday, 7:30 am‑3:30 pm).

• Program service areas and location: The RFTSSA serves students in the Tracy Unified School District and will be held virtually.
• Academy Overview: Our STEM academies are academically intense, mathematics‑based, 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: The academies develop and enhance skills in abstract & critical reasoning, problem‑solving, interpretation, making connections, explanation and demonstration, study techniques, technological skills, methods, and processes used to achieve goals and essential skills for college and career.
• Life goals: The academies help students develop purpose through building leadership skills and increasing self‑esteem/confidence via real‑life application of solving practical everyday problems that often impact life, work, health, and overall well‑being. Identified students have potential to become scientists, engineers, and leaders in their community yet lack access to academic enrichment programs during the longest period of time when 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 school‑site 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 7‑12 participate in the Sacramento academy. Once enrolled, students continue their summer participation through their 12th grade year.
• Program Design: The program covers six summers, introducing students to progressively challenging STEM concepts by grade level. The college‑level curriculum methodology covers concepts students typically experience during post‑secondary education. The instructional delivery model is project‑based and focuses on introducing students to STEM via themed topics, including pre/post tests, guest speakers, team projects, class presentations, library research, field trips, special events, homework, and skill assessments.

June 1 – June 26 2026. Monday‑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 set‑up, staff meetings, etc. A closing ceremony will be held July 2, 2026.

• Strong communication skills to coordinate instruction with the classroom teacher.
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
• Present subject matter to students under the direction of teachers using lectures, discussions, or supervised role‑playing.
• Tutor and assist students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning.
• Supervise students in classrooms, hallways, lunch areas, schoolyards, gymnasiums, and field trips.
• Conduct STEM skills demonstrations to teach assignments and projects.
• Distribute teaching materials and tests, collect homework, and record results.
• Support administration policies governing student behavior.
• Grade homework/tests and record scores.
• Instruct students in the use and care of equipment to prevent injuries.
• Observe and record student performance data.
• Organize and display student work for analysis.
• Organize and supervise instructional games and recreational activities.
• Participate in teacher‑parent conferences about student progress.
• Plan, prepare, and develop…