ORGANIZATION:  

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students 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 720+ 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:  

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. 

The Rainier Scholars - Tacoma Summer Science Teacher facilitates the educational success of students of color (primarily lower income with no college graduate in the family) who will enter 5th or 6th grade in the fall of 2025. Through intensive classroom instruction and academic enrichment opportunities, the Science Teacher prepares scholars for rigorous middle and high school honors programs in public schools. We are currently hiring science teachers for our rising 5th and 6th graders. 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. 

In summer science classes, students practice asking questions and making predictions using scientific knowledge and real-world understanding, reading and evaluating scientific texts and evidence, and carrying out scientific inquiry to test predictions and analyze results. 

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Direct classroom instruction daily, from 6/29-8/7/2026, leading three sections of students (approx. 1:15 teacher-to-student ratio) in a discussion-based, seminar-style classroom environment. 

• Two staff/teacher planning days (tentatively scheduled for 6/25 & 6/26 with the possibility of up to five hours of additional prep time prior to planning days). 

• Support students individually and in small groups during “office hours.”  

• Curriculum development and design in accordance with best practices and in collaboration with the Director of Middle School Readiness.  

• 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 staff. Teachers report to and receive supervision from the Director of Middle School Readiness. 

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: 

• Master's degree in education or related field. 

• Course subject area expertise. 

• Experience teaching at the elementary or middle school level with diverse populations. 

• Tacoma residency and/or deep connection to the Tacoma community. 

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:  

This is a seasonal, exempt position with total compensation of $9,075, paid ratably over the duration of the program. Due to the nature and length of the summer program, consistent attendance is essential. This role includes one personal day. Absences beyond one day may impact continued employment in the role. 

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their application by April 10, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.   

Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to an equitable and inclusive environment for scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college graduates, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.