ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Rainier Scholars cultivates the academic and leadership potential of underrepresented students of color through rigorous, transformative opportunities that increase college graduation rates and empower new generations of leaders in the greater Seattle and Tacoma communities. Founded in 2000, our comprehensive 12-year program starts in fifth grade and provides personalized academic, mental health, leadership and career development support to students and their families. We believe that by systematically removing barriers to a college education, we are working to ensure that students of color are afforded the same opportunities as their classmates.

As a growing organization, Rainier Scholars annually serves 650 students, with a budget size of $7 million, and a staff team of 55 FTE. Rainier Scholars has established a positive reputation for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. 

SUMMARY: 

Rainier Scholars – Tacoma launched in late spring 2021 and welcomed its first cohort during the summer of June 2022. It is designed as a unique public-school partnership that collaborates alongside fellow educators to improve the outcomes of students who face the biggest barriers to success. We work towards the larger goal of expanding opportunities for everyone by centering the experiences of Multi-Generational African Americans, a group facing a highly complex set of barriers due to the country’s history of enslavement and segregation, in our program design.

This summer, Rainier Scholars - Tacoma (RST) launches Mini College, the third summer experience for our middle school scholars. The RST Mini College Math Teacher facilitates the educational success of students of color (primarily lower income with no college graduate in the family) who will enter 7th grade in the fall of 2024. Through intensive classroom instruction and academic enrichment opportunities, the Math Teacher prepares scholars for rigorous middle and high school honors programs in public schools. Rainier Scholars - Tacoma teachers seek to accomplish the following three goals in curriculum, instruction and assessment:

• Exposure to challenging content that will be present in rigorous academic settings;
• Development of advanced skills that will allow students to perform at top levels;
• Integration of cultural identity and resiliency themes relevant to the journey of a Rainier Scholar.

The summer math curriculum is designed to prepare all students to be ready for Algebra no later than 8th grade. Math focuses on ensuring all students are working from a level playing field regardless of their previous math background. Students practice verifying their answers and presenting well organized work. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Direct classroom instruction on a daily basis, from 7/8 - 8/2/24, leading two sections of students in a 90 minute block (1:15 teacher to student ratio) in a discussion-based, seminar style classroom environment.

• Two staff/teacher planning days (tentatively scheduled for 7/2 and 7/3).
• Curriculum development and design in accordance with best practices and in collaboration with a team of teachers and the Mini College Director and Director of Programs. 
• 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.
• Respond to student and families’ questions/needs during the summer session, including taking phone calls in the evenings and weekends (with appropriate boundaries around availability). 
• Serve as a member of the Rainier Scholars - Tacoma faculty. Teachers report to and receive supervision from the Mini College Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 
• Minimum of 3 years teaching or other proven equivalent experience in independent or public school environments.
• Highly organized, interested in collaboration, and possess strong listening and communication skills.
• Passion for working with a diverse group of young people.
• Demonstrated proficiency in UbD unit design (Understanding by Design, Wiggins & McTighe, 2005).

DESIRED

• Masters degree in Education or related field.
• Course subject area expertise.
• Experience teaching at the elementary or middle school level with diverse populations.
• Experience scaffolding 90-minute teaching blocks. 
• Tacoma residency and/or deep connection to the Tacoma community.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

This is a flat rate position with compensation of $6,188. All teachers who work the entire summer are eligible for a $500 bonus paid at the end of the summer term. This role is eligible for paid sick and safe time, per Washington state law.

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 graduates, and people from working class backgrounds to apply.