What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer II Science Teacher position at Rainier Scholars?
ORGANIZATION:
Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined.
With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50 full-time employees and 675 scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Summer II Science Teacher facilitates the educational success of students of color (primarily low income with no college graduate in the family) who will enter 6th grade during Fall 2025. Through intensive classroom instruction and academic enrichment opportunities, the Summer II Science Teacher prepares students for rigorous middle and high school programs in public schools (Seattle, Renton and Highline), independent schools and other private schools. Rainier Scholars teachers seek to accomplish the following goals in curriculum, instruction and assessment:
- Exposure to challenging content that students will see in rigorous academic settings
- Development of advanced skills that will allow students to perform at top levels
- Exposure to and examination of themes that are relevant to the journey of a Rainier Scholar
The second summer science curriculum focuses on the study of genetics. Through readings and laboratory work, students learn about the genetic code and how to predict genetic traits. They simultaneously hone their scientific skills, including formulating testable questions, conducting experiments, and analyzing and presenting their results.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Participate in opening and closing faculty meetings on 6/23/25, 6/24/25 and 8/7/25.
- Teach three sections of Summer II Science (17:1 student-teacher ratio) Monday through Friday from 6/25/25 to 8/8/25
- Provide one-on-one support to students during afternoon office hours Monday through Thursday
- Chaperone Day of Play
- Develop curriculum in accordance with best practices and in collaboration with team of teachers and Academic Director.
- Provide frequent written and oral feedback on student progress and work, respond to academic difficulties of students, work collaboratively in response to parent concerns and conduct progress conferences at appropriate times
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree from a competitive college or university.
- Minimum of 3 years teaching or other proven equivalent experience in independent or public school.
- Highly organized, interested in collaboration, and possess strong listening and communication skills
- Passion for working with a diverse group of young people.
DESIRED:
- A master's in education, those with course subject area expertise, as well as those with experience teaching at the elementary and middle school level with diverse populations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in UbD unit design (Understanding by Design, Wiggins & McTighe, 2005).
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
This is a flat-rate position with compensation of $13,200. Due to the nature and length of the summer program, this role includes one personal day that meets the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) requirements under Washington state law. If there is more than one day of absence, the additional time will be deducted from the final pay to compensate for substitute coverage.
Our work is rooted in ensuring people from marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive in education and careers that they are passionate about. Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for our scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.
